We close out the Old St. Andrews line going from a whiskey as warm as a fire, to one named for the fireside. This is the older 12-year version, but the aftertaste might surprise you.
Editor’s Note: We apologize for the clickbait opening, the writer has been fired.
The slight smokey one is an interesting way to describe this, but the smokey comes less as something pronounced like an Islay. That aftertaste as we try to describe really seems like a small bit of coal is left in you, and flares back up with the fire and smoke. It’s a unique whiskey at 12 years, and that alone is mighty.
What they Say: “Fireside has light peat smokey flavours, as a result of the ancient process of drying our malted barley in kilns using peat as fuel, with the additional hints of grass and moss resulting from the reactions of the spirit for over 12 years in oak casks. The result is a powerful heartwarming feeling and a complex dry finish. The ideal complement to a relaxed fireside conversation with a friend. The slightly smokey warming one.”
Taste: 5.5 – Goes down nice and sweet, and has a bit of cognac/rum-ness to it.
Aftertaste: 8.0 – That aftertaste is fairly short, but then it gets slow like a burning ember before oddly shooting back up again.- it’s odd, but it’s actually rather fantastic.
Burn/Smooth: 7.0 – There is a bit of harshness, but the warmth going with that rollercoaster of aftertaste helps a lot.
Aroma: 6.0 – It’s a light peat and more mellow smell compared to the 10 years while actually being more like a whiskey than a sweet rum, but it is enjoyable, and unlike the clubhouse – actually there.
Honesty: 7.5 – Complex dry finish – you earned those words, and better for it. Having this as a fireside conversation with a friend is right on. Add the 12yr and moniker and well done.
Mixability: 5.0
W/ Rocks: 5.0 – It sort of opens the taps on the smoke letting it run wild for a few seconds. It’s not the same though, and to be honest it loses the character.
Value: 5.0 – While it’s a unique dram to have at a bar or part of this sampler, and the word novelty isn’t fair – it’s not worth the price. Again that inability to work with a bit of ice or water holds this back.
Google Shop Average: $51
Website: http://osawhisky.com/
Reviewer Scores:
BuffaloJern: 6.0
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Metric Score: 44/70 |+| Metric Average: 6.29 |+| Reviewer Average: 6.0
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Final Thoughts: While the more characteristic of the three, we would have to recommend that you go for Clubhouse instead. The main takeaway from Old St. Andrews is that they have some missteps, and some of their languages are pure wank – but at the core, there are some whiskies that fully embody that fireside chat with friends.
