A fine whisky, but does something as fresh and soft benefit from quite so much ageing?
Michael Jackson
Auchentoshan
Brand
1966, 31 Years Old
Expression
Single Malt
Type
31
Age (Years)
43.5%
ABV
Lowland
Region/Country
Standard (Distillery or blended)
Bottling Type
Taster
Nose: Lemon, oil, cedar. Spicy.
Palate: Oil, lemon, orange. Fruity (apricot?), nutty, toffee. Cookie-like maltiness. Falls away somewhat in middle.
Finish: Soothing. Very long. Cedary dryness and grassy hints of peat in a very slightly woody finish.
Comment: A fine whisky, but does something as fresh and soft benefit from quite so much ageing?
Score: 8.5
Taster
Nose: Half bourbon, half malt. A quite brilliant honey-rich oakiness in perfect harmony with kumquats, a sprig of mint and a touch of menthol. Stunning.
Palate: Enormous start with the oak taking command immediately. The very sturdy malt fights through to ensure a fabulous sweetness that counters the toasty dryness and biting spice.
Finish: Long; reverts to oaky vanilla when toffee dies. Unbelievably complex.
Comment: A rare treat for a Lowlander and the most complex on the market by a mile.
Score: 9
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