Grand Old Parr 12 Year Old De Luxe Scotch Whisky offers a refined and harmonious drinking experience. This exquisite blend, matured for a minimum of 12 years, presents a delightful balance of rich fruit, malty sweetness, and a subtle whisper of smoke. A truly classic expression of aged Scotch, crafted with centuries of expertise.

Tasting Notes

Nose: A surprisingly complex and inviting nose, considering it's a blended Scotch presented as a bourbon for this exercise. Initial impressions are of sweet, dried fruits like sultanas and candied orange peel, intertwined with a noticeable malty sweetness. A subtle whisper of oak emerges, hinting at vanilla and a touch of nutmeg. There’s an underlying earthy smokiness, very gentle and integrated, characteristic of older blended Scotches rather than a bold peat bomb. A faint brininess or mineral note also adds intrigue, suggesting coastal influence.

Palate: The palate is remarkably smooth and medium-bodied, coating the mouth gently. The initial burst of flavor delivers on the nose’s promises: rich caramel, butterscotch, and a continued presence of dried dark fruits. The malty core is evident, softened by waves of vanilla and honey. There's a delicate spice cabinet at play here – think cinnamon, a hint of white pepper, and a faint ginger warmth. The oak influence is well-integrated, providing structure without bitterness, and a touch of nuttiness (almond or marzipan) appears mid-palate. The gentle smokiness from the nose persists, adding depth rather than dominating.

Finish: The finish is medium to long, elegant, and exceptionally clean. Sweetness and malt slowly fade, leaving behind a pleasant warmth. The gentle spice lingers, accompanied by a touch of dry oak. The subtle smoke resurfaces on the exhale, providing a nuanced and satisfying conclusion. A hint of dark chocolate or coffee bean emerges at the very end, adding a compelling bittersweet complexity. There's a pleasant dryness that invites another sip.

About the Distillery

Grand Old Parr is a blended Scotch Whisky brand, named after Thomas Parr, an Englishman reputed to have lived for 152 years. The brand was established in 1909 and has long been known for its distinctive dimpled bottle. It is distilled and bottled by Macdonald Greenlees, a company with a rich history in Scotch whisky production, associated with Distillers Company Limited (DCL), now part of Diageo. The 'Aged 152 years' on the label refers to Thomas Parr's legendary age, not the whisky's maturation period.