Whisky Review/Tasting: Old Perth
Physical Whisky Characteristics
- Origin: The whisky is associated with Perth, Scotland, known for its bottling lines, whiskey merchants, and significant exports.
- Type: It is a blended malt whisky.
- Distillation and Maturation Process: The specific details of distillation and maturation are not provided, but the whisky involves a blend of malts, possibly including leftovers from single cask and batch quality bottlings by Morrison and McKay.
- Age Statement: No specific age statement is mentioned.
- Color and Clarity: The whisky is colored, suggesting adjustments to achieve a consistent appearance.
- Bottle Design: The bottle features a Scottish flag on the plastic cork, indicating a nod to its Scottish heritage.
Whisky Flavor Profile
- Balance of Flavors: The whisky presents a complex mixture of flavors, including a light aroma with an elegant smoky note, sweetness, maltiness, fruitiness, vanilla, and caramel.
- Unique Characteristics: Notable for its blend of light and heavy malts, resulting in a full taste profile with intense, sometimes bitter aftertastes. The presence of tar and smoky elements adds depth.
- Comparison: The flavor profile is distinct from typical supermarket single malts, offering a more potent and complex experience.
Whisky Storytelling
- Production Insights: The whisky is speculated to originate from leftovers of single cask and batch quality bottlings by Morrison and McKay, an independent bottler also known as Kahn Moor. This suggests a creative use of resources in crafting a unique blend.
- Brand Evolution: Old Perth represents a new brand that evolved from blending malts to recreate historic tastes, indicating a dynamic approach to whisky production.
Cultural or Geographical Significance
- Historical Context: Old Perth pays tribute to the city of Perth, described as the "fair city" and the "birthplace of historic blends." This highlights Perth's significant role in the whisky industry and its tradition of whisky merchants and exports.
Expert Opinions and Noteworthy Quotes
- Opinions on Blended Whiskies: The reviewer expresses skepticism towards blended whiskies due to past experiences with bitterness, attributing it to the use of reused casks. However, Old Perth is recognized for its impressive taste and complexity, setting it apart from cheaper blends.
- Memorable Quote: "A really impressive taste. Vanilla, caramel, all the stuff you find in all those malts is in here as well."
Summary
- Old Perth is a blended malt whisky with a complex flavor profile, including light aromas, elegant smoke, sweetness, maltiness, fruitiness, vanilla, and caramel.
- It originates from Perth, Scotland, and is associated with Morrison and McKay, an independent bottler.
- The whisky is speculated to be crafted from leftovers of other bottlings, creating a unique blend.
- It pays tribute to Perth's historical significance in the whisky industry.
- Despite skepticism towards blended whiskies, Old Perth is praised for its impressive taste and complexity.
Recommendations for Different User Profiles
- Whisky Enthusiasts: Individuals with a deep appreciation for the complexity and history of whisky will enjoy exploring Old Perth's unique blend and its tribute to the city's whisky heritage.
- Adventurous Drinkers: Those looking for something different from the typical supermarket offerings will find Old Perth's potent and complex profile rewarding.
- Collectors: Collectors interested in unique blends and stories behind whisky brands may find Old Perth a fascinating addition to their collection.