Origin: Speyside (Scotland)
Type: Blended Malt Scotch Whisky
Strength: 43.7%ABV
Ageing cask: Ex-Sherry
Chillfiltered: No
Added coloring: No
Owner: Morrison Distillers
Average price: € 300.00
Official website: www.oldperthwhisky.co.uk
Today the Old Perth returns to the blog, the famous blended malt from Morrison Distillers, which at the time of this proposal was still known as Morrison & McKay.
This is a special edition from 2018, sourced from a single ex-sherry cask, containing malts distilled in 2004, coming, as stated on the label, from Macallan and Highland Park.
675 total bottles, whose current availability is limited to the secondary market, with the corresponding price increases (hence the indicative cost).
Tasting Notes
The color is amber.
On the nose, the ex-sherry cask presents its bill with its most classic markers, from orange peel to caramel, along with a robust spice profile of nutmeg and a pleasant hint of old firewood. In the background, anise and Malaga. A note of heather honey recalls the presence of Highland Park, but the lion’s share undoubtedly goes to Macallan.
In the mouth, it is a bit too light and woody, with many of the descriptors noted on the nose (caramel, orange peel, malaga) presented in a decidedly lesser tone in terms of intensity. A certain spiciness is manifested, but it lacks bite, if I can explain myself. And at times it even seems watery. A crime!
The finish of medium persistence leads to a mix of sweetness and austerity, between caramel and an old wood shed, with a slight spiciness of white pepper.
Review: Tasting samples are generally taken with a grain of salt. Moreover, this sample is a few years old, and it is possible that something has happened to it over time. Consequently, my impressions, including the numerical evaluation, carry even less weight than usual. However, to be honest, I expected much more from this Old Perth. After an excellent nose, it felt flat and underwhelming on the palate. Even the finish, which does regain some credibility, fails to fully redeem the disappointment. What a shame.
Vote: 82/100