Old Pulteney Prohibition Ball raises over £5260 for the Royal National Lifeboat Institution

3rd June 2008

Last Friday (30 May 2008) saw the annual Old Pulteney Prohibition Ball being held at the Pulteney Distillery in Wick. Beating last year's record intake, an astonishing £5265 were raised and donated to Wick's RNLI Station. The ball took place to commemorate the repeal of prohibition in Wick and was held for the second time, after its inauguration in 2007.

In a marquee that was erected especially for the occasion in the distillery's courtyard, and fueled with entertainment by local band KW1, a fantastic after dinner performance by Tom Morton was enjoyed by a lively crowd, who contributed greatly to the chosen charity through ticket sales and a silent auction. Fine dining, dancing, superb prizes and a fantastic atmosphere ensured a great evening for the local community.

A further highlight of the evening was the recognition of James McCaughey, a local boatbuilder and businessman, who was awarded with the Old Pulteney Maritime Achievement Award. Mr McCaughey has contributed throughout his life to Wick's community, economy and maritime industry as a boat builder, repairer, employer and through being heavily involved in the RNLI for over 21 years. He was honoured for his lifetime achievement and was presented by Distillery Manager Malcolm Waring and the RNLI's Head of Operations Colin Richard with a specially engraved Old Pulteney crystal decanter.

Says Malcolm Waring: "We had an absolutely terrific evening. Tom Morton was an excellent host, the band was fantastic, the dinner was delicious and all our guests thoroughly enjoyed
themselves and had a wee dram or two! I'm delighted that we were able to raise such an incredible figure for Wick's RNLI Station and I cannot wait until next year. We have already taken table bookings for 2009!"

For ticket information and bookings please contact the Pulteney Distillery on 01955 602 7780.

PROHIBITION:
Wick became a dry town following the campaigning of American Evangelist Aimee Semple Macpherson, who during the years between the two world wars was the most flamboyant and controversial minister in the United States. A glamorous lady of celebrity status she held the USA in her grasp and as her power spread across the water 57 parishes signed up for prohibition. Wick was one of the 57 and the prohibition lasted until the law was lifted in 1947.

The first Old Pulteney Prohibition Ball was held in 2007, commemorating the 60th anniversary of the repeal of prohibition in Wick.

OLD PULTENEY SINGLE MALT SCOTCH WHISKY
Launched by parent company, Inver House Distillers in 1997, Old Pulteney 12 year old Single Malt Whisky is enjoying rapidly increasing appreciation amongst whisky lovers, with its windswept coastal location contributing to an unusual and distinctive taste. With a faint flavour of the sea, Old Pulteney is known as the Genuine Maritime Malt or sometimes 'Manzanilla of the North', after the coastal sherry produced in Spain. Old Pulteney is a multi award winning malt, the latest being the Gold: Best in Class at this year's International Wine and Spirits Competition.

INVER HOUSE DISTILLERS
With an enviable standing and refreshingly original approach, Inver House is increasingly recognised as one of the industry's most interesting companies, having developed a diverse, high quality portfolio of brands. With headquarters based near Airdrie, the company has five distilleries - Pulteney, Balblair, Speyburn, Knockdhu and Balmenach - that each produce their own distinctive, individual single malt whisky. Currently sold to 85 countries worldwide, Inver House's products include:
· Old Pulteney - one of the UK's top 15 single malts, this flagship brand is known as 'The Genuine Maritime Malt' and reputed as one of Scotland's finest whiskies. Old Pulteney also supports an exciting programme of sailing and maritime events
· Balblair Single Malt Whisky - premium vintage whisky inspired by its Pictish roots but with a contemporary design and international focus
· anCnoc - boutique malt and key supporter of Scottish arts and creative industries
· Speyburn - value-for-money whisky, which has established itself as the 8th largest selling malt brand in the USA

Inver House also produces a range of blended malts, blends, vodka, gins and liqueurs, such as Scotland's Original Cream Liqueur, Heather Cream.

Photograph: Colin Richard (Head of Operations, RNLI), Malcolm Waring (Old Pulteney Distillery Manager), James McCaughey (Old Pulteney Maritime Achievement Award Winner); Tom Morton; Old Pulteney 12 Year Old.