A barrel of single malt that sailed the high seas on board Borealis for 103 nights as part of the maturing process has now been bottled ready for guests.

Earlier this year, Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines teamed up with Suffolk-based brewer and distiller Adnams to host a nine-year-old cask that was in its final year of maturation.

The cask embarked on a cruise around the world where the movement of the ocean helped the limited-edition spirit, Amplitude, reach optimal flavour by churning the whisky, increasing its interaction with the wood of the barrel.

It has now been decanted and hand-bottled and can be purchased on board Fred. Olsen's fleet of smaller-sized ships.

Susana Entrena, Hotel Operations Director at Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, said:

“We're so proud to have partnered with Adnams on this centuries-old maritime tradition.

“Amplitude is an exclusive batch of whisky, inspired by the ocean and our travels around the world.

“This special cask joined us on board Borealis on a world cruise, marking the final step in its 10-year ageing process.

“Maritime traditions are very important to our brand and tie into the fact that we put 175 years of experience into every single day for our guests.

“We know that our guests will love the story behind Amplitude and the opportunity to taste the results on board our fleet.”

As part of the aging process on board, the whisky's constant contact with the wood enhanced the spirit's colour and flavour thanks to the intense caramelisation of the barrel's wood sugars. The salt air penetrated the barrel, adding saline notes to the whisky as liquid evaporated.

Crafted from East Anglian malted barley, Amplitude spent 10 years maturing in a French oak barrel by the sea at Adnams' Copper House Distillery in Southwold, Suffolk, and 103 nights at sea with Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines: meaning it is more travelled than most. Now, the small-batch whisky has been carefully filled into just 250 bottles.

Bradley Adnams, Head of Export at Adnams, said:

“Now that our whisky has returned from its voyage, we've been delighted with how it tastes.

“The time spent at sea aboard Fred. Olsen's Borealis has given it unique layers of flavour. You'll notice aromas of baked fruit, hints of tropical mango and papaya, and a warm, lingering finish with subtle chocolate and spice.

“It's a fascinating blend of maritime influences and our East Anglian roots.

“Each bottle has been meticulously hand-bottled and labelled making this whisky a true reflection of its journey and careful craftmanship.

“We're looking forward to sharing it with those lucky enough to be on board future Fred. Olsen cruises.”

Amplitude is currently available to purchase on Borealis' Sea Cove shop and via cabin duty free for £65 per bottle. It will be available on board Bolette and Balmoral by the end of October.

For further information on Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, visit www.fredolsencruises.com
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