Old St Andrews 8 Year Old Blended

This whisky was popular in the 1980s due to the fact that Dennis Thatcher (hubby of Margaret) was often seen on the golf course with a miniature of it. Today, the Old St Andrews range consists of four blended malts, listening to the names Clubhouse, Twilight, Fireside and Nightcap. But I take an 8 years old blended whisky from my 1991 gift pack to try.

The nose differs little from their three year old, but is somewhat softer. Less smoke, more sweetness. This reminds me somewhat of a Speysider, although there is clearly a large grain component. I get white fruit as well as sultanas and even a hint of pineapple. This is not bad at all.

Argh, on the palate it goes south. Metallic and dusty, preventing the fruit from showing itself fully. Caramel makes it overly sweet and, in this case, not very good. Pity.

Luckily the finish is fairly short. A bit of spices at the death.

Well, I am not sure what the current range is like, but these older bottlings are not my cup of tea.