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Whisky lovers are no strangers to adventure. From distillery pilgrimages in the Scottish Highlands to hunting down elusive bottles at exclusive auctions, the pursuit of a perfect dram knows no bounds. But what if the whisky came to you—after an epic, globe-spanning journey of its own?
Meet Navigator, the first single malt whisky to traverse the earth from pole to pole before ever being poured. This isn’t just another aged Islay expression—it’s a whisky that’s been shaped by the elements, having spent a full year rolling with the waves on an expedition ship, covering an astonishing 56,314 nautical miles. And now, it’s finally ready to be sipped—at sea, of course.
A Whisky with a Passport
Navigator’s journey began in Islay, Scotland, the legendary “Whisky Island” where some of the world’s most revered peated single malts originate. After aging for seven years in ex-bourbon casks, a single barrel was entrusted to the crew of the MS Spitsbergen in 2023. From there, it embarked on a voyage unlike any whisky before it.
This wasn’t just a scenic cruise. The cask weathered the icy extremes of Svalbard, drifted past the North Pole, threaded through the Arctic’s infamous Northwest Passage, rounded Alaska, and hugged the rugged coasts of the Pacific before reaching Antarctica. For over a year, it endured the push and pull of the Seven Seas, exposed to dramatic temperature shifts and oceanic movement that subtly influenced its character.
Finally, the whisky returned to Islay for bottling, but with only enough liquid remaining to fill a mere 222 bottles. It’s now exclusively available aboard select HX Expedition cruise ships, making it one of the rarest and most elusive drams in the world.
A Taste of the Journey
So, what does a whisky that’s traveled the world actually taste like? According to HX Expeditions, Navigator carries all the hallmarks of a classic Islay single malt—peat smoke, citrus, and salted caramel—but with an added whisper of briny sea air, a direct result of its time at sea.
Nose: Floral and citrus notes with hints of vanilla, orange peel, and soft peat smoke.
Palate: Butterscotch, tropical fruit, maritime peat smoke, and salted caramel.
Finish: Long and evolving, with waves of mixed fruits and light, integrated smoke.
At 60.3% ABV, this cask-strength pour is as bold as the journey it’s been on. And for those lucky enough to snag a glass, the best way to enjoy it might just be on the top deck of a ship, surrounded by the same untamed landscapes that helped shape its flavor.
A Whisky Worth Chasing
Unlike most sought-after single malts, you won’t find Navigator in collector’s cabinets or behind high-end whisky bars. To taste it, you’ll have to book a spot on one of four Hurtigruten Expedition vessels (MS Fram, MS Spitsbergen, MS Roald Amundsen, and MS Fridtjof Nansen).
It’s a fitting tribute to the spirit of exploration—a whisky that has seen more of the world than most of us ever will. And for those lucky enough to raise a glass, it’s not just a drink—it’s a story in every sip.