Old Parr 12 Year Old Premium Blended Scotch Whisky 1000ml

Old Parr 12 Year Old Blended Scotch Whisky 1 ltr Grand Old Parr, or simple Old Parr as it is sometimes known, is a popular blended whisky brand which is owned by drinks giant Diageo. It forms part of their extensive portfolio of blended whiskies, which currently includes around 80 different brands. The best selling version is this 12 years old, but there are also more limited 15 years old and 18 years old versions. The range is bottled at 43% ABV. The whisky is named after Thomas Parr, an Englishman who was reputedly the oldest man to ever live. He was allegedly born in 1483 and died in 1635, which would have made him 152 years of age when he passed away. He was known as 'Old Parr' and his remains are buried in Westminster Abbey in London. The whisky first appeared on the market in 1909 and is now distributed to Central and South American markets (it is especially popular in Columbia, Costa Rica, Mexico and Venezuela), plus Japan. It is packaged in a wonderfully retro brown glass bottle, which is a recreation of the original bottle from the early 20th century. Our tasting notes The colour is a dark golden amber and the nose is pleasant and full of fragrance. There are initial aromas of burnt caramel and dried fruit, especially raisin, sultana and candied orange peel. These aromas are followed by some distinct malty cereal and plenty of oaky wood spices (think of cinnamon and nutmeg), plus a hint of dried grass and a whiff of distant peat smoke. On the palate, the whisky is rich and full of impact. It is instantly malty with plenty of sweetness present. This sweetness comes in the form of honey, vanilla, cereals and caramel-like notes, which are backed up by some lovely rich dried fruits (the sultanas and raisins from the nose, plus a hint of fig). With time a powerful note of zesty orange develops, which adds some depth to the taste experience. This is backed up by a good pinch of wood/baking spice (cinnamon and nutmeg again).