Old Pulteney Navigator

Here we've got an NAS limited edition release from Old Pulteney. Old style packaging; they've recently revamped their entire line-up; this one did not make the cut. This Navigator release comes from the previous generation of Pulteney products. Let's see if this an NAS release is on par with the (old) 12 year of which I am very fond. Nose: At 46% ABV this thing really pops out of the glass. There is a big jam note that bears credence to sherry cask-aging. More standard notes of apple, honey, vanilla, and toffee. A little grainy, and obviously young. A sulfuric note that is a bit unpleasant. Palate: True to its reputation as a coastal malt, there are some distinct salty, maritime notes. A bit of cranberry and fig/date representing the sherry cask, while more of the standard toffee, honey, vanilla, apple, caramel, cereal, and butterscotch fill out the palate. Green apple jolly rancher. At the back end I pick up some milk chocolate and some citrus notes (a bit of lemon and lime juices.) Big improvement over the nose. Finish: Woody and spicy. There's still some sea salt, but now it's complimented by black pepper and cinnamon. The higher ABV makes itself known here. More green apple Jolly Rancher. There's a bit of jammy, fruity sweetness before this moderate-long finish reaches its conclusion. Certainly a good one. Definitely not a great one. Outside of the maritime qualities, it's not particularly unique. It's young. If you can get the Oban Distillers Edition for around $75, I would spring for that as your sherry/bourbon cask aged coastal highlander. This was $49 for reference. Head to head with the (old) 12 year, I'd choose the latter. The 12 is just a better expression of Pulteney's potential. Though I will say, I think 46% was a good choice for this one and would be a good choice for the 12. As for the Navigator, it's good as is, but I'll admit, you aren't missing much if you don't pick it up before it's all gone. This simply needed more time in the casks, or perhaps just better casks. Either way, I assign this a 3.0 for being perfectly average. EDIT: Three months later and I'm back. The nose is lacking and even a bit unpleasant, but the palate and finish have improved greatly. This has really opened up. Bumped from 3.0 to 3.75. Furthermore, I may have changed my stance on how this stacks up to the 12 year (old packaging). More on the latter to come later on.

Apple dominates the nose with vanilla and other fruit playing second. Sweet orange and brine palate with a hint of vanilla. Medium fruity and briny finish, with a lasting ash.

Caramel salty with a sweet finish. It’s no 21 year, but it is good.

With a touch of water this turned out to be a pretty good lighter feeling whisky, notes of honey and vanilla, as but boozy without the water though.