Origin: Lowlands (Scotland)
Type: Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Strength: 43%ABV
AgEing casks: Ex-Bourbon first fill and refill
Chillfiltered: Yes
Additional coloring: Yes
Owner: Suntory
Average price: € 85.00
Official website: www.auchentoshan.com
Vote: 84/100
In the past, triple distillation was a popular choice at the many distilleries in the Scottish Lowlands, whereas today only Auchentoshan is left to use it: ‘Every single drop triple distilled’ is their slogan. This complex process certainly results in a purer, smoother and more delicate whisky, but some say it takes too much of the initial information from the malt.
In recent months we have covered Auchentoshan with reviews of the 12yo and Three Wood. Today we taste the 18yo, another staple of their core range, aged entirely in a mix of ex-Bourbon first fill and refill casks, and offered at 43% ABV.
Tasting notes
The colour is light amber.
On the nose, the attack is extremely sweet, with a strong impression of banana flambéed in rum that takes us back to the 1980s, and a bite of marzipan dipped in honey. A sugary profile not recommended for diabetics, but complemented by a scent of dried apricot and the typical hint of Auchentoshan nut. Despite the low alcohol content, the alcohol, alas, stings more than it should.
On the palate, the consistency is absolute: memories of banana flambé and marzipan, with an unmistakable note of custard and a growing hint of walnut. Here again we note that the alcohol is a little too noticeable.
The finish is medium to long, sweet of course, with marzipan, custard and walnut again.
A very pleasant and drinkable whisky, but less complex than one might expect from an 18yo, with no particular surprises and perhaps a slight excess of sweetness.