Whisky Review/Tasting: Old Pulteney Navigator

Physical Whisky Characteristics

Origin: Old Pulteney Distillery, located in Wick, Scotland, is the most northern distillery on the mainland of Great Britain.
Type: Single Malt Scotch Whisky.
Distillation and Maturation Process: Handcrafted using traditional methods from the 1800s, including unique copper pot stills and time-honored condensation methods. Matured in fine oak casks, absorbing the northern sea breeze.
Age Statement: No specific age statement mentioned.
Color and Clarity: The whisky is uncolored and non-chill filtered, presenting a natural honeycomb color from the cask.
Bottle Design: Features a label indicating Old Pulteney's sponsorship of the Clipper 2013-14 around the world yacht race, emphasizing its maritime connections.

Balance of Flavors: A harmonious blend of sweet and crisp layers, full-bodied and rich in flavor, with a distinctive maritime character.
Unique Characteristics: Notable for its burst of honey, cocoa, and oranges, transitioning into a long-lasting spicy finish with a maritime surprise. The whisky showcases a smooth complexity, with a delicate mineral salted spiciness.
Comparison: While not directly compared to other whiskies, its unique maritime influence and use of ex-Sherry casks suggest a profile distinct from typical Highland malts.

Distillery History: Founded in 1826, shortly after the law requiring a license for distilling was issued. The distillery's character is deeply influenced by its coastal location and maritime heritage.
Maritime Connections: The Navigator edition celebrates Old Pulteney's sponsorship of the Clipper around the world yacht race, highlighting the distillery's long-standing association with the sea and maritime activities.

Geographical Influence: The distillery's proximity to the sea and its location in Wick, a town historically known for its fishermen and harbor, significantly influence the character of the whisky, imbuing it with its unmistakable coastal character.
Cultural Heritage: Old Pulteney's maritime malt identity and its connection to historical and contemporary seafaring activities underscore the cultural significance of its location and heritage.

"Old Pulteney Navigator is handcrafted...using traditional methods of the 1800s...all contribute to the distinctive style of the whisky with its smoothness, complexity, and the unmistakable coastal character." - Horst Luening
"Wonderful, full aromatic...there's this maritime note, the proximity to the sea." - Horst Luening

Old Pulteney Navigator is a single malt Scotch whisky with a strong maritime influence, reflected in its flavor profile and storytelling.
It is handcrafted using traditional methods, matured in fine oak casks, and features a natural honeycomb color.
The whisky offers a rich blend of honey, cocoa, oranges, and a spicy finish with a maritime twist.
Its connection to the sea is highlighted through its sponsorship of the Clipper yacht race and the distillery's coastal location in Wick.
The Navigator edition celebrates Old Pulteney's maritime heritage, offering a unique and evocative spirit with a smooth complexity and distinctive coastal character.

Maritime Enthusiasts: Individuals fascinated by the sea and maritime history will appreciate the Navigator's strong nautical connections and storytelling.
Whisky Collectors: Those interested in unique or themed whiskies might find the Navigator's maritime influence and sponsorship of the yacht race particularly appealing.
Flavor Adventurers: Drinkers looking for a whisky with a distinctive flavor profile, combining traditional Scotch elements with unique maritime notes, will enjoy exploring the Navigator.
Beginners to Intermediate Whisky Drinkers: The Navigator's smooth complexity and rich flavor profile make it accessible to newcomers, while still offering depth for more experienced palates.