International Beverage has unveiled two new expressions for its Old Pulteney single malt and a limited edition in parternship with Edinburgh International Airport.
The partnership with Edinburgh International Airport has seen the production of 168 limited edition bottles of Old Pulteney 1985 single cask; a 32 years-old single malt, released in partnership with Dufry Group.
The single malt, with individually numbered bottles, is available to buy exclusively at the airport’s World of Whiskies store.
The celebratory expression, which will retail at £275.00, will be presented in a cream canvas sailing bag, printed with the cask number and details of the Edinburgh International partnership. The bespoke packaging pays homage to Old Pulteney’s rich seafaring heritage, which gives the whisky its identity as ‘The Maritime Malt.’
There will be a dedicated display featuring the actual cask for four weeks, to showcase this exclusive to whisky aficionados. A team from Edinburgh airport and from Dufry visited Inver House Distillers to select and sample the cask in June 2017.
Richard Townsend, retail and property director for Edinburgh Airport, says: “We are delighted to have selected this Old Pulteney 1985 single cask bottling exclusively for the passengers of Edinburgh Airport. As Scotland’s busiest airport we are the gateway to and from Scotland and look forward to offering visitors and locals alike the opportunity to buy a unique expression of this fantastic single malt Scotch whisky.“
James Bateman, director, global travel retail at International Beverage comments: “We are thrilled to partner with World of Whiskies and Edinburgh International Airport to create this exclusive Old Pulteney. Edinburgh International Airport is Scotland’s busiest airport, its staff are important ambassadors for Scotch whisky and they help to connect the world to Wick, in Caithness, where Pulteney Distillery has been making very fine malt whisky since 1826.”
Nigel Sandals, head of UK/Northern Europe region liquor promotions, for Dufry, comments: “World of Whiskies is delighted to offer visitors this exceptional single cask from Old Pulteney. Partnering with International Beverage is a great example of how airport operators, retailers and suppliers come together to create unique and compelling offers for people travelling through Edinburgh.”
The first new expression is a limited edition 1983 Vintage.
The limited edition expression matured in ex-Bourbon American oak barrels, then in ex-Oloroso Spanish oak butts.
Karen Walker, marketing director from International Beverage says: “We’re exceptionally proud of the 1983 Vintage, it’s eagerly anticipated and worth the wait. The excellence of this exquisite expression stands as a testimony to a time-honored process and the unrivalled craftsmanship of the Pulteney Distillery.”
Bottles will be available in markets globally, from October 2017 at independent and specialist retailers at an RRP of £500. Distinguished by its maritime packaging, Old Pulteney 1983 Vintage Limited Edition is non-chill-filtered nor coloured and is bottled at its natural cask strength of 46% ABV.
The second release is a 25 Years Old.
The whisky began its journey in ex-Bourbon American oak barrels for 22 years. Its sweetness was granted depth by ex-Oloroso Spanish oak butts until it reached the age of 25.
Karen Walker, marketing director from International Beverage says: “We’re extremely proud to launch this premium addition to our core range. As one of the finest Single Malt whiskies in the world it embodies both Wick’s spirit of endurance and the Pulteney Distillery’s signature coastal style.”
The 46% ABV whisky will be available globally from early October 2017 at independent and specialist retailers, an RRP of £300.
9 October 2017 - Sam Coyne The Drinks Report, news editor