International Beverage hosted an exclusive tasting event as part of the global reveal of the new Old Pulteney travel retail collection on 1 October during the TFWA World Exhibition in Cannes.

Old Pulteney has reinvigorated its travel retail collection, which now includes a 10yo, 2006 Vintage and 16yo. The new collection makes a return to age statements, and has evolved its packaging to evoke a contemporary and modern appeal.

Each expression brings new flavours to the fore, while the cask selection and the distillery’s geographic location ensure the Old Pulteney maritime essence remains.

10 YEAR OLD

An entry point into the collection, Old Pulteney 10yo is matured for 10 years in second-fill American oak, ex-bourbon barrels. This whisky is defined by a union of rich sweetness and tangy citrus vibrancy, capturing the spirit of the sea through hints of salt.

Offered in one-litre bottles, it has a competitive recommended retail price of £40 ($52) and an ABV of 40%.

2006 VINTAGE

The most recent release in travel retail and the second expression in the collection, 2006 Vintage, is the only expression retained from Old Pulteney’s previous travel retail collection. Its packaging has evolved in line with the other two new expressions.

This small-batch whisky is matured in hand-selected first fill ex-bourbon American oak barrels chosen by Old Pulteney’s Distillery Manager Malcolm Waring.

Polished copper in colour, whisky offers a diversity of flavours. Melting-toffee sweetness and spicy overtones join the classic salty sea note, contrasted with crisper, refreshing flavours of coconut, citrus and green apples.

Available in one-litre bottles with an ABV of 46%, 2006 Vintage is non-chill filtered with natural colour and offered at a recommended retail price of £50 ($65).

16 YEAR OLD

Exclusive and exceptionally rare, Old Pulteney 16yo is first matured in American oak ex-bourbon barrels and then further matured in Spanish oak casks that have been seasoned with Oloroso sherry.

A comforting and fulfilling single malt experience, Old Pulteney 16yo is sweet, spicy and intense.

Non-chill filtered and with natural amber colour, it has an ABV of 46% and offered at a recommended retail price of £80 ($105) for a 70cl bottle. This exclusive selection is only available where two additional travel retail skus are stocked and allocated.

James Bateman, Global Travel Retail Director, International Beverage told TRBusiness: “We are having a good year in 2018 across our travel retail portfolio, which includes Speyburn and Balblair single malts. Liquor globally is growing at about +5% on last year. Our last year saw us grow +16% so we are performing well by our standards and the categories standards.

“Some of this is coming off a small base and we have also seen that the competition has risen and left us behind a little. This is why we are keen to focus on Old Pulteney.”

On the range itself, Bateman added: “International Beverage is pleased and excited to be unveiling the new Traveller’s Collection for Old Pulteney. This range is a clear and confident statement of our commitment to build quality, premium brands in travel retail and duty free.

“The beautifully detailed packaging and introduction of an age statement for each expression clearly redefines what is now a very strong brand offer for the channel, remaining true to Old Pulteney’s history, distinctive maritime provenance and proven judgement as one of the world’s great malt whiskies.”