12 years of whisky: the case for blends

Blends tend to not get a lot of love within the whisky community, and truth be told, who could blame us? Best case scenario they turn out to be a stepping stone for anyone considering him/herself a whisky enthusiast. If you’re new to whisky, which we all were at some point, a local supermarket will likely be the place where one starts dipping the proverbial toe into the whiskypool. But once you’ve worked your way through the likes of JW Black or Chivas Regal 12 and developed a proper liking for the nectar, chances are you will have swiftly moved onwards and, dare I say, upwards. When chasing flavour has become your thing, a chill filtered, coloured, minimal strength blend (or single malt, for that matter), will likely not even merit you bringing out the scope, as you’re hunting for bigger game now.

Having said all that, I still have a few blends in my cabinet.Most of them will have been gifts from well-meaning friends or relatives, and even though I rarely ever buy a blend myself these days, I am genuinely glad to have them. Because there are occasions a plenty when they fit the bill just nicely. Something to put in a mixer, or just an easy background sipper on a summery evening, or, in line with the season: something to go into a hot toddy or a steaming hot tea.

But for today’s whisky, I tried to wander off the beaten track a bit and try and find a 12 yo blend that’s likely under many people’s radar AND is capable of putting its foot next to a similarly priced and aged single malt.

‘Your mission, should you choose to accept it…’

Or is it?

Grand Old Parr 12 yo blended whisky.

40% ABV, probably coloured and chill filtered, app. €40 (but it comes in a 1 L bottle)

The first blend I had in mind for this series, was actually the Antiquary 12 yo, which is probably better known but was currently out of stock around me. Then I remembered I picked up this bottle of Grand Old Parr on vacation last Summer. It was a whisky I bought on a bit of a hunch as I knew very little about it, apart from the fact that this brand goes back for well over a century. So with such considerable pedigree, curiosity got the better of me.

In the build up to this series, I started digging up some more information, as there’s quite a fascinating story to this. Pretty obscure and under the radar in these western European parts where I tend to dwell, but it’s a very popular brand in Latin America, particularly Colombia. It’s even so popular in Colombia , it’s estimated that roughly 50% of all whisky sold there is Old Parr 12. That’s what you’d call making a mark.

As said, this blend, which has Cragganmore as a main malt component, goes way back, as it dates back to 1909, so it’s fair to say it’s been around the block a few times. Originally released by Macdonald, Greenlees and Williams, it became a subsidiary of DCL in 1925. Initially, this 12 yo ‘deluxe’ blend was fairly available throughout most markets, but as the popularity (and demand) in Latin America kept on growing, fewer and fewer bottles became available for the European market. These days you’ll likely only find these in southern European countries.

The name ‘Old Parr’ was inspired by Thomas Parr, who is said to have been the longest living person in British history. Allegedly born in 1483, he passed away 152 (!) years later in 1635, and is buried in Westminster Abbey. I think it’s fair to say we may need to take tis with a pinch of salt, but why would you let the truth get in the way of a good story, right? In any case, due to this claim of old age, he became a living legend not only throughout Britain, but the whole of 17th Century Europe. Even famous Belgian artists Rubens and Van Dyck visited him to paint him. And, fun fact: the image on the bottle of Old Tom Parr is indeed that of the painting by Rubens. And surely, having a whisky named after you must be the penultimate tribute anyone can give.

Question remains: is it good?

Nose

A gentle mixture of vanilla, oranges and soft smoke and peat, sitting against something slightly citric. The orange notes intensify (Jaffa cakes!), with hints of biscuity-cereals and sweet porridge. Some sweet fruit – berries and raspberries – bringing in a slightly fizzy sensation. All very mellow but never dull.

Palate

Earthy and ashy, the smoke is more upfront, making for a gentle yet distinctive earthy-leathery mouthfeel. The grain manifests itself now in the form of bread and toast, whereas the fruit turns into dried oranges and marmalade. My main issue with this is that it’s also a bit thin, although it has to be said that thanks to the oily-viscous touch, it hides it quite well.

Finish

Oily and viscous, before it turns increasingly ashy-dry with a soft woody bitterness.

Final thoughts

There is very little to argue about here. Indeed, a blend capable of competing with more than a few single malts out there! I don’t need to put bells and whistles on this one, as this is a true testimony to the art of blending! 82/100

Next week: wrapping up 2022 with an under the radar 12 yo single malt.