Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/343109
24 / the tasting panel / july 2014 SAN FRAN INSIDER A rejuvenating sail on Old Pulteney, a super-yacht that made port in San Francisco as part of the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race, and a warming dram of Old Pulteney's Navigator did wonders to clear the mind and prime the palate of the San Fran Insider. Margaret Mary Clarke, Senior Brand Manager for International Beverage, was on hand to share insights about the extreme maritime climate that produces this easy-drinking single malt whisky that ages in both bour- bon and sherry casks. Located in the remote, windswept town of Wick, Pulteney is one of mainland Scotland's most northerly distilleries and is best known for the absence of a swan's neck on its modified wash still. Navigator is unpeated with saline aromas of dried apples and creamy chocolate, with flavors of honeyed citrus and a long, spicy finish; a signature flavor profile for the distillery's 12-, 17-, 21- and 30-year-old bottlings. Navigator celebrates Old Pulteney's year-long race, which began in London last July and ends there this month. Something of an America's Cup for sailors from all walks of life, the yacht, one of 12 in the fleet, is crewed by sailing enthusiasts from a dozen different countries and Skipper Patrick van der Zijden. A real-time race viewer at www.clipperaroundtheworld.com shows Old Pulteney currently running in 7 th place as they complete the homecoming leg of the race. There are few addresses in London more revered than No. 3 St. James's Street, which has been the home of wine and spirits merchant Berry Bros. & Rudd since 1698. The purveyor's own London Dry Gin No. 3 made its debut in San Francisco ear- lier this year in the Marianne Room at The Cavalier, the British-themed restaurant housed in Hotel Zetta. Inspired by the British rocker Marianne Faithful, this posh invite-only nightspot was the scene of the post-IPO celebration for Twitter's executive team and is synonymous with the gentrification of the City's Mid-Market District. On hand for the occasion was No. 3's creator David King, marketing and strategy director for the company, who, with Chairman Simon Berry, resurrected the brand previously known as Berry's Best. Pot distilled from six botanicals, juniper and citrus, which dominate No. 3's nose, while cardamom and grapefruit shine through the mid-palate of this 46 percent ABV classic. Two signature cocktails, the White Lady, a Creole shrub with Curaçao, and the King's Nail, a rift on a classic Rusty Nail with King's Ginger liqueur, were created for the occasion by BB&R spirits guru Ronnie Cox. As he introduced the striking bottle, which bears a replica of the key to the shop's hallowed back door, King credited the Dutch with inventing gin—but reminded his audience that it was the Brits who taught us how to drink it. Spirited Away SAILING INTO THE SUNSET WITH OLD PULTENEY NAVIGATOR by Deborah Parker Wong Sailing the San Francisco Bay with The Old Pulteney's Margaret Mary Clarke. PHOTO: BERRY BROS. & RUDD PHOTO: DEBORAH PARKER WONG PHOTO: DEBORAH PARKER WONG David King, Marketing and Strategy Director for Berry Bros. & Rudd, resurrected the retail- ers' No. 3 London Dry Gin. Striking view of the San Francisco Bay from the deck of The Old Pulteney.