Country: Scotland
Brand: Old St.Andrews Par 4
Type: Blended Scotch Whisky
Age: NAS (Probably 3-5 Years)
ABV: 40 %
Date: 02/02/2013
Colour: Amber
Nose: It's been a while since I tasted a rather basic Blend. Young Grain Alcohol, Slightly Bitter Wood, Malt, Caramel, a handful of Nuts and Dried Fruits like Raisins and Sultanas, hints of Lemon Peel and Honey. T'is not much but t'is all there's to it!
Palate: Thin delivery. Sugary Sweet Grain, Caramel, slightly Bitter Tiger Wood(s) and some Spice (think of Nutmeg). Hints of Lemon, Dried Fruits and Honey. Again, it's not much but it is consistent with the Nose.
Finish: Short and Sugary Sweet with a bit of Spice.
I added a bit of water and the Nose becomes somewhat Sweeter, less Bitter and less Grainy. I get a distant hint of Leather as well. Palate and Finish however do not benefit from the added water.
Rating: 70.5 (out of 100)
Nose: 18 - Taste: 18 - Finish: 17 - Overall: 17.5
General Remarks: The Old St. Andrews Par 4 (Clubhouse) Blended Whisky comes in unique Golf Ball-Shaped Bottles. The showstopper is the Miniature bottle, an exact lookalike of a real golf ball. More than 10 million of these little balls were sold already. It was made popular in the 80's by Dennis Thatcher, the husband of the Iron Lady, although it was originally created for the Japanese market. The Whisky is one of many that are bottled by Brand Owner St. Andrews of London, whisky blenders for more than 75 years. It contains Grain Whiskies and between 12 and 18 Single Malts, a.o. the Tomatin. Today's novelty blend matured in Oak casks previously used for Sweet Wines, Sherry and Port and got its name from one of the oldest golf courses in the world, the Old Course at St. Andrews, Fife, Scotland. It was established in 1552, has 18 holes and Par was set at 72.
Drinking Experience Neat: Below Par.
Conclusion: A gimmick and a funky present for Golf-Players. The package and presentation are more important than the whisky I'm afraid. New balls please!
Jan van den Ende February 2013
