Introduction
I picked up the Old Perth Solera out of interest in how a blended malt could showcase the influence of a solera maturation process, especially one built entirely around sherry cask-aged whisky. I had tried other expressions under the Old Perth label before, and while I found them enjoyable, I was curious how this Solera variant would handle structure and balance. With no age statement and a stronger ABV, it felt like something worth tasting with fresh eyes.
Nose
Right from the first pour, the aroma is bold and sweet. I got heavy notes of dark dried fruits—figs and raisins mainly, followed by stewed plums and a slight touch of molasses. There’s a roasted almond edge that lends it a bit more depth. What's noticeable is the presence of a slight earthy character beneath all that sweetness, providing welcome contrast. The alcohol presents itself right away, but never becomes overbearing—it allows the sherry cask influence to remain the dominant character.
Palate
The first sip confirmed what the nose hinted at. Full-bodied and oily, the whisky coats the tongue with a blend of raisins, dates, and a bit of heavily reduced red fruit compote. Mid-palate, I noticed some dark chocolate bitterness and a growing nuttiness—perhaps walnut or pecan. There’s a clear sherry richness threading it all together. Even at 46%, it has some heat, but it doesn’t outweigh the core flavours. There’s a subtle spice along the edges—think cinnamon and a trace of clove—but it never dominates.
Finish
The finish is long, consistent with the whisky’s weight. The fruit fades slowly, replaced by a mild savoury element—slightly leathery, even a touch of tobacco leaf. It leaves behind a slight tannic dryness similar to over-steeped black tea, but still maintains an overall richness. It’s not sharp or drying—more reflective, with the deeper notes lingering pleasantly.
Price and Value
Considering this is a non-age-stated blended malt, the price feels reasonable for what’s in the glass. You're getting well-integrated sherry cask maturation and a decent ABV without added colouring or chill-filtration. It's not an entry-level dram, but you can tell there’s careful blending at work here. For a sherry-driven whisky lover, the value holds up. I’d say it’s priced fairly for a bottle that offers a lot of depth, especially when compared with other sherry cask-influenced blends in the same price bracket.
Background
Old Perth is an independent label revived by the Morrison family—formerly of Morrison Bowmore—and produced under Morrison Scotch Whisky Distillers. The Solera edition builds on the house style by ageing entirely in sherry butts using a continuous solera system. This approach allows younger whisky to mature alongside older stock, creating continuity and balance over time. There’s no age statement, but the whisky clearly carries the maturity of well-seasoned sherry casks. You can learn more about their range at the Old Perth official website.
Final Notes
Would I get this bottle again? Yes, especially if I'm in the mood for something sherry-heavy without moving into the pricing tier of aged single malts. It's a robust, flavour-forward dram that doesn’t feel muddled despite being a blend.
I wouldn't necessarily recommend it to someone just beginning their whisky journey—it can be quite intense in terms of body and character. But for those who already appreciate sherried expressions, it offers something a little different thanks to the solera influence.
I found it works best as a late-evening whisky, perhaps after a large meal or when you're in the mood for something rich and textured. Compared to other sherried blends, it comes across as a bit denser and spicier—closer to a Glenfarclas or Tamdhu in character, though with the complexity of blending folded in.