Grand Old Parr 12 yr Blended Whiskey 750ml

Grand Old Parr was created in 1909 by brothers James and Samuel Greenlees, whose family had already run a whisky blending business since 1871 before launching this brand. The name and dimpled bottle both pay tribute to Thomas "Old Tom" Parr, a semi-legendary Englishman reputed to have lived to 152 years old, dying in 1635 shortly after meeting King Charles I, who arranged for his burial at Westminster Abbey. The whisky is produced by Macdonald Greenlees, historically tied to the Distillers Company Limited and now part of Diageo. Despite being a fixture on back bars worldwide, particularly across Latin America and Japan, Grand Old Parr has remained a relatively low-profile brand, with little public information about its exact blend components.

The 12 Year expression is built from a careful selection of malt and grain whiskies sourced from multiple distilleries, matured for a minimum of twelve years in oak casks before blending. The master blender's approach favors balance over any single dominant character, bringing together whiskies with different cask influences to create a rounded, full-flavored result. Depending on the market, the finished whisky is bottled at either 40% or 45% alcohol by volume.

The nose offers honey, dried fruit like sultanas and candied orange peel, and a malty sweetness, with a whisper of oak, vanilla, and gentle smoke underneath. On the palate, that malt and fruit character continues, joined by caramel and toffee, with the smoke becoming more noticeable partway through. The finish arrives quickly and dry at first, before a wave of raisin-like sweetness and lingering smoke rounds things out. It works well neat, on the rocks, or as a base for a whisky cocktail.