Old Pulteney Toasts Clipper Race Achievement with Commemorative Bottle Release
Back to archiveThe Old Pulteney team, sponsored by the namesake Scottish ‘Maritime Malt’ whisky distillery was welcomed back to London in its signature style yesterday with traditional bagpipers, highland dancing, the traditional dram of whisky and news of a special bottle tribute in celebration of the team’s momentous achievement.
Skipper Patrick van der Zijden and his international crew toasted their 6th place overall finish, whose race highlights included; 3rd place finishes in Race 8, from Sydney to Hobart, and Race 14, from New York to Derry Londonderry; and its best result, 2nd place in the penultimate Race 15, from Derry Londonderry to Den Helder.
The Old Pulteney Distillery has announced a fitting tribute to the remarkable sailing achievement of Patrick and his ‘Navigator’ crew in the form of a limited edition release of the Old Pulteney Clipper Commemorative Bottle.
Old Pulteney Senior Brand Manager Margaret Mary Clarke believes the release of a special commemorative bottle is the perfect way to conclude Old Pulteney’s global Clipper Race adventure. She explained: “As a whisky built on its maritime history and connections, it has been an enormous thrill to be part of the Clipper 2013-14 Round the World Race and to have witnessed the ‘Old Pulteney’ speed from port to port over the past year.
“The response to our boat and our whisky in every country we have stopped in has been truly overwhelming. With this new limited edition release, we pay tribute to the wonderful spirit, bravery and achievement of our skipper Patrick Van der Zijden and the incredible Old Pulteney crew as our Clipper Race journey comes to an end.
“Not only have they delivered an outstanding sailing performance, with ocean sprint wins and podium places to celebrate, but they have also been great ambassadors for Old Pulteney’s spirit of maritime adventure along the way.”
The whisky has been matured in ex American bourbon and ex Spanish sherry casks and is polished gold in appearance, combining the sweetness of dried fruits with crisp green apples on the nose, accompanied by notes of fresh vanilla and white chocolate. The taste is of honey and orange zest with a rounded oaky structure and Old Pulteney’s unmistakable salty coastal note giving way to a smooth and long-lasting finish.
The first bottles of the whisky were gifted to the Old Pulteney crew yesterday as they celebrated with family and friends.
Skipper Patrick van der Zijden expressed proudly: “It has been an intense year with massive memory impact which will stay with myself and my crew for a long time to come. All the seas we sailed, all the ports we visited and all the people we met – it has been a voyage of a lifetime.
“The whole team gives its thanks to Old Pultneney. The level of hospitality and support given to us as we have raced round the world has been extraordinary. They have been with us through every mile of our journey and we all feel incredibly proud to be recognised by this special bottle release.”
Old Pulteney Single Malt Scotch Whisky is crafted at one of the most northerly distilleries on the UK mainland in Wick. The distillery was founded in 1826 at the height of Wick’s herring boom, and it’s this heritage that gives the whisky its identity as the ‘maritime malt’.
The Old Pulteney Clipper Race Commemorative Bottle is bottled at 46%, natural colour and non-chill filtered. The recommended retail price is £50. For more details and how to purchase visit www.oldpulteney.com