The Old Perth blends have a long history dating back to the early 20th century. It was Peter Thompson, a grocer from Perth, who started to create his own blends. And Old Perth was one of them, which quickly proved to be very popular.
The blended malt has had a long life, but eventually, the lights went out for Old Perth in the early 1970s. However, almost half a century later, another company was interested in reviving the blend. And that was none other than Morrison Scotch Whisky Distillers, who purchased the brand and relaunched it in 2014.
Today a blended malt instead of a blend, but the revived Old Perth seems to be becoming just as popular as its old predecessor. Meanwhile, the range consists of 4 different editions. So, in addition to the 12 year old, there is the Original, a Cask Strength bottling, and the limited Vintage Collection. All of which have matured in sherry casks. Sounds intriguing, doesn’t it? In any case, I’ve become curious, but first, let’s start with a review of this Old Perth 12 year old.
This Old Perth has matured in sherry casks for 12 years and is bottled at 46% ABV.
Old Perth 12 year old tasting notes:
Nose: blueberries and plums but also sweet raisins and dried apricots. Rich honey and caramel toffee. This is followed by red apples and a hint of oranges. Later also a hint of ginger.
Taste: Caramel toffee and dark chocolate. Prunes. Honey and dried apricots. Walnuts. A nice mix of warming winter spices such as cinnamon, cloves and nutmeg, but ginger too.
Finish: mid-long and somewhat dry. Dried apricots. More of those winter spices, cocoa and a touch of oak.
A lovely blended malt that certainly will do well during the colder autumn and winter days. Maybe not very complex, but a tasty daily dram indeed. For sale for around €45 to €50, which is very reasonable in my opinion.
Bottle provided by Morrison Scotch Whisky Distillers.