Origin: Lowlands (Scotland)
Type: Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Gradation: 46%ABV
Ageing casks: Ex-Bourbon and ex-Sherry Oloroso
Chillfiltered: No
Additional coloring: Yes
Owner: Suntory
Average price: € 65.00
Official website: www.auchentoshan.com
Vote: 85/100
After several months we return to taste a whisky from Auchentoshan, the Lowlands distillery officially founded in 1825, based not far from Glasgow.
Today in our glass we have a 14yo called Cooper’s Reserve, distributed since Spring 2012 in the Travel Retail market.
Resulting from the combination of ex-Bourbon and ex-Sherry Oloroso barrels, it’s proposed at 46% ABV, without chill filtration.
Tasting notes
The honey-colored appearance already looks like a promise of sweetness.
And in fact, the entrance to the nose is sweet, with a layer of marzipan to which overlaps, after a few moments, the characteristic hint of Auchentoshan walnut, along with a touch of black cherry, a sprinkling of nutmeg and a handful of figs. Like a mirage, we sense a vagueness of smoke in the background. A citrus fragrance attributable to mandarin anticipates a warm memory of punch after a few moments. To this range of aromas so seductive are added, over time, an impression of leather and a mineral note, ferrous: a scent of wet earth that makes you think of a walk in the woods after the rain. There’s still room for some sweetness, with a generous pass of vanilla sugar.
In the mouth, in the context of a light body that, as often happens to the Auchentoshan’s, makes whisky dangerously drinkable, we find, next to the peculiar hint of walnut, a whisper of marzipan and an alternating dialogue between mandarin and apricot, with an abundant spice based on pepper and nutmeg.
The finish, of medium length, is still very spicy, with an accent of sweetness.
That interesting (and unfortunately underrated) whiskies come from Auchentoshan is a well known fact. But this 14yo, which at the very least deserves greater diffusion, shows, in particular to the sense of smell, a richness and, at times, an aromatic originality that distinguish it from others and makes it even more inviting.
Reviews of Auchentoshan whisky in the blog:
Auchentoshan 12yo
Auchentoshan 18yo
Auchentoshan Three Wood
Other perspectives:
Whisky Saga