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Old Perth is a historic Scotch whisky brand rooted in the once-thriving blending traditions of Perth, a city long regarded as the blending capital of the world. Originally created by Perth grocer and wine merchant Peter Thomson in the early twentieth century, the blend built a reputation for its high malt content and dependable quality in Scotland’s hotels and bars. After disappearing for decades, the name has been revived by Morrison & Mackay, who have reintroduced Old Perth as a blended malt Scotch whisky that honours the city’s blending heritage while appealing to contemporary drinkers.

Origins in Perth’s whisky trade

Peter Thomson began trading in groceries, wines, and spirits in Perth in 1908 and soon established his own whisky blends. Old Perth quickly gained popularity in the on-trade, particularly among Scottish publicans. The blend typically combined Speyside, Highland, and Islay malts with North British grain whisky, aged for up to 12 years. Thomson maintained a strong relationship with The Macallan distillery, and Speyside malt from this source was included in the blend. In later years, Peter’s son David Thomson determined the proportions and ages of the components before blending at the company’s Perth premises. Final approval rested with the company directors prior to bottling.

As the business evolved into a wholesale agency and wine and spirits distributor, Old Perth gradually became overshadowed by its stablemate Beneagles. Sales travellers often incentivised customers by including a bottle of Old Perth with each case of Beneagles. By 1969, sales had stagnated, although the blend’s high malt content and inclusion of Macallan spirit meant it was still regarded as one of the finest blends available.

In 1973 the retail side of the business closed to focus on wholesale and distribution. Old Perth was eventually replaced in the portfolio by Beneagles Deluxe, whose growing success drove the shift in emphasis.

Ownership changed several times during the 1980s. The company was sold to the Stakis organisation in 1983, then in 1985 to Charles Mackinlay & Co., sister company of Waverley Vintners Limited, owned by Scottish & Newcastle Breweries plc. Later that year Mackinlay was acquired by Invergordon Distillers, which subsequently became part of Whyte & Mackay.

Revival under Morrison & Mackay

In 2014 independent bottler Morrison & Mackay acquired the Old Perth brand and relaunched it, initially as an ex-sherry cask matured blended malt. Today the brand sits within Morrison Scotch Whisky Distillers, owned and operated by Jamie and Brian Morrison, members of one of Scotland’s longstanding whisky families. Their heritage and industry connections provide access to a wide selection of casks from established distilleries across Scotland.

The revival is also a tribute to Perth itself. Once home to numerous whisky companies, the city’s blending trade declined as businesses relocated to larger urban centres. Old Perth represents an effort to restore the city’s blending legacy.

Production style and maturation

Historically, Old Perth was a blended Scotch whisky combining malt and grain whiskies. In its modern form, the core bottling has evolved into a blended malt Scotch whisky, meaning it contains only single malt whiskies from multiple distilleries.

The current Old Perth Original is built around ex-bourbon matured Aultmore, with constituent whiskies aged between four and six years. This maturation produces an approachable and gently sweet profile designed for easy enjoyment.

Sherry cask maturation is central to the wider range. Oloroso and Pedro Ximénez (PX) casks contribute layers of dried fruit richness, warming spice, and treacle-like sweetness, while additional cask finishes explore variations in depth and character. Some expressions are bottled at cask strength, preserving the whisky’s full-bodied texture and aromatic intensity.

Distinctive character

Old Perth’s identity rests on blending expertise and sherry-led maturation. The brand draws on malt whiskies from pedigree distilleries, particularly in Speyside, to create a profile that balances richness with drinkability.

Sherry casks impart notes of stewed fruits, orange marmalade, honeyed spice, and nutty sweetness. Ex-bourbon casks add vanilla softness and gentle caramel tones, helping maintain balance and approachability. Peated expressions introduce earthy smoke and warming spice, adding contrast to the sweeter styles.

This layered approach reflects Perth’s historic blending tradition – combining diverse whisky styles to achieve harmony rather than dominance.

The modern range

The contemporary Old Perth range showcases different maturation styles while maintaining a house style built on richness and balance.

Old Perth Original offers sophisticated sherry sweetness with subtle spice, leading to dried fruits and honeyed clove warmth.

Double Sherry Wood combines Oloroso and PX sherry cask maturation, delivering warming spice, rich fruit undertones, and notable depth.

The 12 Year Old expression presents stewed fruits and spicy orange marmalade, with a warm and lasting finish.

Sherry-matured limited editions explore the influence of different cask types, while the Vintage Collection highlights selected distilleries and extended maturation.

Cask Strength bottlings present a robust, earthy palate with ginger and cinnamon spice, offering full-bodied aroma and intensity.

Peaty and sherry-led variations provide additional contrast within the range.

Enjoying Old Perth whisky

Old Perth’s sherry-driven character makes it well suited to unhurried sipping. Enjoyed neat, it reveals layers of dried fruit, spice, and sweetness, while a small splash of water can soften the palate and highlight citrus and nutty notes.

Richer expressions pair comfortably with dark chocolate or fruitcake, while lighter styles complement soft cheeses. The whisky’s structure also lends itself to classic cocktail serves such as the Rob Roy, where sherry richness adds depth.

A restored name with enduring relevance

Old Perth reflects both history and renewal. From its beginnings in a Perth grocery business to its modern revival by Morrison & Mackay, the brand illustrates how blending traditions continue to evolve. By focusing on malt-driven blends and sherry cask maturation, Old Perth honours the city’s heritage while offering a style suited to contemporary tastes.

In doing so, it reconnects drinkers with a chapter of Scotch whisky history that shaped the character of the category itself.