For the first in a new series of columns with International Beverage, SLTN popped into Nauticus in Leith to talk neighbourhood cocktails with co-owner Kyle Jamieson.
How would you describe Nauticus?
Kyle Jamieson, co-owner, Nauticus: “I just say it’s a cocktail pub. Which it is. High-volume Tennent’s and high-volume cocktails. And we have local beers – Pilot, Campervan, Moonwake and Newbarns.
“There’s so much happening down here in Leith – creative spaces, bakeries, breweries, distilleries. It’s like it used to be. Everything would have come through Leith back in the day. It was a major port for spices, for produce, for whisky, for Cognac, for brandy, for wine.
“People come here as a local. It’s a mix of cocktails, pints, wine, and an amazing whisky selection.”
For this year’s Bar Show Nauticus hosted a takeover with Bar Glue from Liverpool, with Old Pulteney 12 sponsoring the takeover. What makes Old Pulteney 12 a good whisky to mix with?
Kyle: “It’s super well balanced. I’ve just been for lunch and we had a highball with Old Pulteney 12. It’s that freshness, that zinginess, that coastal note that Old Pulteney’s got. It lends itself to a sour or to a more complex drink – like the Atholl Brose cocktail on our menu.
“Doing the event with the International Beverage guys for the Bar Show – it’s just cool for them to be involved in the Bar Show. And getting the liquid into the hands of bartenders as well.”
Why choose Bar Glue for the Old Pulteney takeover?
Kyle: “I met Nathan (Price) from Bar Glue about a year and a half ago. They’re just nice folk. I always try to do things with nice folk. A lot of people just do takeovers to tick that box and they can sometimes be a bit flatter than they should be. That’s not what bar work is about.
“He’s doing three cocktails and a wee half and half as well. It’s Old Pulteney 12 plus the Pilot Hush Hush, which Pilot makes for us and Panda & Sons. It’s a pale ale that has a little citrusy note, which works really well with the Old Pulteney.”
How important a partner is Nauticus for the Old Pulteney brand? What do you like best about the bar?
Terricia Soyombo, global senior brand manager, International Beverage: “Nauticus is a hugely important partner for Old Pulteney and a great example of the kind of long‑term relationships we actively look to build within the Scottish licensed trade.
“They’re not just a fantastic customer, but a bar that champions storytelling through drinks development and commitment to high quality, while still feeling welcoming and rooted in the local community. This plus the maritime link make them a natural fit for the brand.”
The Edinburgh Bar Show has been growing steadily over the past three years. Why did you decide to take part this year?
Terricia: “Edinburgh Bar Show has become an important moment for bringing the trade together, and we wanted Old Pulteney to be part of something that celebrates the wider community and the creativity within it. When Nauticus recommended Bar Glue it made sense straight away. Bar Glue brought a distinctive style and reputation that complemented the event and added another link to Old Pulteney’s maritime heritage with their location at Albert Dock in Liverpool.
“With Old Pulteney marking its 200th anniversary this year, we want to show up authentically — supporting great venues and even better people at the heart of the trade.”
Coastal Breeze (Old Pulteney Passionfruit Sour)
• 40ml Old Pulteney 12
• 15ml Lucky Liqueurs Lucky Passionfruit
• 15ml Lemon Juice
• 5ml honey
Add ingredients to a shaker with ice and shake. Strain into a rocks glass over block ice.
