Old Pulteney Salted Rob Roy

This Old Pulteney Salted Rob Roy is a coastal riff on a classic Rob Roy highlights the maritime character of Old Pulteney 12 Year Old with a subtle twist a touch of sea salt. Rounded out with sweet vermouth and a hint of Maraschino liqueur, it’s smooth, savory, and just slightly unexpected in the best way.

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Tasting Notes

This Old Pulteney Salted Rob Roy is a coastal twist on the classic Rob Roy. The Old Pulteney 12 Year Old brings soft malt, briny sea air, and hints of dried fruit. The sweet vermouth adds weight and sweetness, while the maraschino liqueur brings a subtle cherry-almond note that stays in the background. A pinch of sea salt ties everything together and enhances the whisky’s natural character. The finish is smooth and slightly savory, with gentle sweetness and a whisper of salt. It’s a good balance of rich and clean, with a hint of ocean breeze in every sip.

Equipment and Glassware

For best results, you’ll need a mixing glass, bar spoon, and strainer. A jigger or other measuring tool is also useful to keep proportions accurate. Since this is a stirred cocktail, not shaken, a good stirring spoon with a long handle will help keep things smooth. Use a fine mesh strainer if you want a cleaner pour with no shards of ice. The drink is traditionally served in a coupe glass, which holds the right volume and looks clean. For the garnish, have a cocktail pick ready to rest across the rim.

Ingredients

• 2 oz Old Pulteney 12 Year Old
• 0.5 oz sweet vermouth
• 1 bar spoon Maraschino liqueur
• Pinch of sea salt
• cocktail cherry for garnish

Instructions

• Add the whisky, sweet vermouth, Maraschino liqueur, and a pinch of sea salt to a mixing glass with ice.
• Stir until chilled and well mixed about 20 seconds.
• Strain into a chilled coupe glass.
• Garnish with a cocktail cherry on a pick, placed over the rim of the glass.

Pro Tips

• Chill the coupe glass before pouring for a smoother drink
• Use a high-quality maraschino liqueur, not syrup Luxardo works well
• Use coarse flaky sea salt just a pinch, no more
• Don’t stir too long keep the drink cold but not overly diluted
• Try Carpano Antica or Cocchi Vermouth di Torino for the vermouth
• Express a lemon peel over the glass for a brighter edge (optional)
• Use a single large cube in the mixing glass for more control
• Strain with a fine mesh strainer if you want a clearer pour
• Let the garnish rest across the rim don’t drop it into the drink
• A metal pick holds the cherry better and looks cleaner

When to Serve

The Old Pulteney Salted Rob Roy works well in cool weather or evening settings when you want something slow and spirit-forward. It’s a good choice before dinner if you’re going light on food, or after dinner when you’re relaxing. It’s also nice for a quiet night when you want something steady and not too sweet. The salt and malt combo makes it feel more savory than a typical Manhattan or Rob Roy. This drink fits small groups or solo sipping wherever you want calm, focused flavor with just a bit of character.

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