Old Pulteney Row To The Pole
35cl / 40%
£169.00
- Malt type: Single Malt
- Region: Scotland
Tasting Notes
Spice, Vanilla and Hazelnuts
Sweet Citrus, Raisins and Pears
Long Finish, Chocolate and Spice
If you like this whisky, you will also like these
An NAS commemorative release linked to a record-breaking polar expedition, conferring significant value through extreme maritime narrative.
At-a-Glance
| Field | Details |
| Distillery / Bottler / Country & Region | Pulteney / Distillery Bottling / Highlands (Coastal), Scotland |
| Category | Single Malt Scotch Whisky (Commemorative) |
| Age / Vintage / Bottled | NAS / Not Stated / Varies |
| ABV & Size(s) | Varies (Approx. 46% ABV) / Not stated in the text. |
| Cask / Treatment | Linked to record-breaking polar expedition |
| Natural Colour | Not stated in the text. |
| Non-Chill-Filtered | Not stated in the text. |
| Cask Strength | No |
| Bottle count / Outturn | Limited Run (Volume not stated) |
| Intended channel | Specialist Retailers, Commemorative Market |
| Packaging | Not stated in the text. |
| Notes on discrepancies | Value is predominantly driven by the unique, non-repeatable polar expedition narrative. |
Historical Context
The Old Pulteney "Row To The Pole" expression derives a significant portion of its collectible value not from age, but from the powerful, non-repeatable narrative associated with its release. The bottling is a direct tribute to a record-breaking polar expedition, linking the liquid to an event of extreme human endeavor. By anchoring the whisky to this historic, physical feat, the release transcends the typical metrics of age or cask specifications, transforming the bottle into a piece of historical memorabilia. This creates unique collectible scarcity.
The physical location of the Pulteney distillery, situated in Wick, North-Eastern Highlands, is intrinsically tied to the spirit’s famously maritime profile. The salty, brine-laden air of the North Sea heavily influences the maturation environment. This synergy of geography and human ambition is the core driver of value for the Row To The Pole edition, minimizing the collector's dependence on specific technical details.
Technical Specification & Variant Map
The liquid is characterized as the Old Pulteney profile, often described as the "Manzanilla of the North" due to its intense maritime and saline qualities. Commemorative releases such as this are inherently finite and non-repeatable. The spirit typically suggests maturation primarily in ex-Bourbon casks to allow the intrinsic spirit characteristics to dominate. The ABV typically varies around 46%.
Documented variants
Specific ABV, volume, and market variances are not provided in the text.
Variant Matrix
| ABV | Volume | Market | Era cues | Relative desirability |
| Varies (Approx. 46% ABV) | Not stated | Global Commemorative | Unique polar expedition linkage | High (Narrative Rarity) |
Packaging & authenticity checklist
Authentication relies on verifying the explicit commemorative designation and the linkage to the historical polar event. The bottle functions as a historical document. The aesthetic and narrative value is the primary driver of the premium.
Regulatory/terminology notes
The value of this No Age Statement (NAS) whisky is linked to the Narrative Rarity coefficient, which prioritizes the story over the age statement. The spirit's profile is strongly influenced by its coastal, maritime maturation environment.
Liquid Profile (from verifiable notes)
Nose: Not stated in the text.
Palate: Defined by robust brine and salt notes, elegantly balanced by a core of malty sweetness, subtle spice, and bright citrus elements.
Finish: Not stated in the text.
With water: Not stated in the text.
Pricing & Market Dynamics (GBP)
The Original RRP (GBP) is not stated in the text. The Current UK retail range (GBP, incl. VAT) is not stated in the text. Recent UK/EU auction range (GBP, hammer) is not stated in the text.
Pricing stratification: Valuation is intrinsically linked to the cultural longevity and sustained relevance of the historical achievement it celebrates.
Liquidity & sourcing note: Commemorative releases like this are inherently finite and non-repeatable, securing an intrinsic value.
Distillery/Bottler Snapshot
Pulteney Distillery is intrinsically tied to its coastal location in Wick, North-Eastern Highlands. Its spirit is famously characterized by its intense maritime and saline qualities, earning the nickname "Manzanilla of the North".
Sourcing
Target formats/eras: Focus on bottles with intact commemorative labeling that clearly links to the polar expedition.
Red flags to avoid: Listings that emphasize specific age or technical specifications over the historical narrative.
Condition thresholds: Pristine external condition is highly valued due to its role as a piece of historical memorabilia.
