Stop Avoiding Blends: Why Old Perth is the Best Whisky You Aren’t Drinking
Writing about whisky often feels like walking a tightrope between being a "whisky nerd" and a "whisky snob." But every so often, a brand comes along that makes you want to throw the rulebook (and the snobbery) right out of the window.
Enter Old Perth.
If you’ve spent any time browsing the shelves of a specialist spirits shop, you’ve likely seen the distinctive, classic-looking label of the Old Perth range. You might have also noticed the words "Blended Malt" and, if you’re like many enthusiasts, your brain might have instinctively nudged you toward the Single Malts instead.
That would be a mistake.
1. The Elephant in the Cask: Why "Blended" Isn't a Dirty Word
Old Perth is not just a "blend" in the way many people think of them (a mix of malt and cheap grain whisky). It is a Blended Malt, meaning it’s a marriage of multiple single malts with zero grain in sight. More importantly, it is a brand with deep roots in Scottish history, a family legacy that spans generations, and a liquid profile that consistently punches well above its weight class.
To understand Old Perth, you have to understand the city it’s named after. Long before Edinburgh or Glasgow took the crown, Perth was the undisputed blending capital of the world. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Perth was the "Gateway to the Highlands," a hub where the rugged spirits of the north met the refined palates of the south.
2. High Street Origins: How a Perth Grocer Built a Liquid Legacy
In 1908, a local grocer and wine merchant named Peter Thomson decided he wanted in on the action. Starting from his shop on Perth’s High Street, Peter began blending his own whiskies. He was a man with a gifted palate and, perhaps more importantly, great connections.
One of his most successful creations was Old Perth. In its original 20th-century incarnation, it was a Blended Scotch (containing grain), but it was famous among "those in the know" for having an exceptionally high malt content. Peter Thomson had a particularly close relationship with a little distillery in Speyside called Macallan. Back then, Macallan wasn't the global titan it is today; it was a respected source of rich, sherried spirit, and it famously formed the heart of the Old Perth blend.
For decades, the Thomson family, including Peter’s son David and grandson Michael, kept the brand alive. They also managed Beneagles, another famous blend known for its iconic ceramic decanters (often shaped like Scottish birds or curling stones). However, as the 20th century drew to a close and the industry consolidated, many of these historic Perth blends began to fade. The brand eventually found its way into the hands of Whyte & Mackay, where it sat largely dormant, a "lost" relic of Perth’s golden age.
3. The Resurrection: When the Morrison Family Met a Sleeping Giant
In 2014, the brand was rescued from the archives by another legendary whisky family: the Morrisons.
If the name Morrison rings a bell, it should. Stanley P. Morrison founded a whisky brokerage in 1951, but the family is best known for owning Morrison Bowmore Distillers (the force behind Bowmore, Auchentoshan, and Glen Garioch) before selling to Suntory in 1994.
After a brief hiatus from the limelight, the family, led by Brian Morrison and his son Jamie, returned to their roots. Operating as Morrison Scotch Whisky Distillers (MSWD), they didn't just want to release "another brand." They wanted to honour the history of Perth.
When they acquired Old Perth, they made a pivotal decision: they would drop the grain whisky entirely. They transformed Old Perth into a Blended Malt, focusing exclusively on Sherry cask maturation. By doing this, they effectively modernised Peter Thomson’s original vision, creating a range that offers the complexity and depth of a high-end single malt but with the balance that only a master blender can achieve.
4. The Golden Rules: Sherry, Transparency, and No Shortcuts
The philosophy behind the modern Old Perth range is refreshingly simple: Sherry, quality, and transparency. All their whiskies are bottled without chill-filtration and with no added caramel colouring. What you see in the bottle is the natural interaction between the spirit and the wood.
5. The Core Lineup: A Tour Through the Sherry Vaults
Here is the current lineup that forms the backbone of the brand:
Character Profile: A sophisticated, easy-drinking dram defined by sweet sherry tones, honeyed cloves, and a gentle touch of spice.
Character Profile: A robust and earthy powerhouse that hits the palate with intense ginger, cinnamon spice, and thick molasses.
Character Profile: A beautifully balanced affair of stewed dark fruits, spicy orange marmalade, and a long, warming cocoa finish.
Character Profile: A deep and "moreish" fusion of rich, jammy fruitiness and savory nuttiness with exceptional textural depth.
6. Going Off-Script: The Rare and Limited Gems
While the core range is fantastic for a "daily drinker," Morrison Scotch Whisky Distillers aren't afraid to flex their muscles with limited editions. Because the Morrisons have been in the game for decades, they have access to an incredible library of casks that most independent bottlers would kill for.
In recent years, we’ve seen some truly spectacular "Aged Collection" releases, including 21-year-old and even Vintage 1996 expressions. These aren't just older versions of the core range; they are often masterclasses in regional blending. For instance, some of the vintage releases have been known to include legendary Islay malts (a nod to the family’s Bowmore history), adding a whisper of smoke to the rich sherry profile.
They also frequently experiment with different types of Sherry. If you ever spot an Old Perth Palo Cortado, Amontillado, or Manzanilla limited edition, grab it. These releases explore the nuances of specific fortified wines, proving that "Sherry cask" is a much broader spectrum than most people realize.
7. The Verdict: The "Secret" Dram Every Sherry Enthusiast Needs
Let’s address the elephant in the room. Why do some people still look down on blended malts?
In the past, blends were often seen as a way to hide "off" notes or stretch out expensive malt with cheap grain. But Old Perth is the antithesis of that. It belongs to a new wave of premium blended malts that treat the blender as an artist rather than a cost-cutter.
Think of a Single Malt like a solo violinist. At its best, it’s pure, focused, and expressive. A Blended Malt like Old Perth is a chamber orchestra. By combining different Speyside and Highland malts, the blender can fill in the "gaps." If one malt is too spicy, you balance it with one that is oily. If another is too dry, you add a PX-matured malt for sweetness.
The result is a whisky that often feels more "complete" than a single malt of the same price. In a blind tasting, nine out of ten enthusiasts would likely peg Old Perth as a premium, well-aged Sherried Speyside Single Malt.
Old Perth is a success story of resurrection. It has taken a "lost" name from 1908 and given it a modern purpose. Under the guidance of the Morrison family, it has become a beacon for sherry-lovers and a reminder that the city of Perth still knows a thing or two about making world-class whisky.
Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just looking for a solid bottle to keep on your sideboard, don’t let the "Blended Malt" label fool you. This is high-integrity, high-quality liquid that honours the past while tasting very much like the future of Scotch.
