Whisky Tasting – A Grand Duo from Auchentoshan

Jim is looking forward to and hour or so tasting a couple of Auchentoshan’s. Nicola’s disappointed as her workload is forcing her to work late, Jim will just have to pick up the gauntlet and go for this tasting alone.

The two Auchentoshan’s on the menu this evening are 1) A Cask Strength Valinch. 2) 1979 Vintage.

Auchentoshan Distillery, Dalmuir, Clydebank, Glasgow G81 4SJ

www.auchentoshan.com

Owners, Morrison Bowmore Distillers, (Suntory)

This multi Award winning West Coast Scottish Distillery sits at the foot of the Kilpatrick Hills on the outskirts of Glasgow. Auchentoshan is Gaelic for “The corner of the field”.  Auchentoshan distillery is the only Scottish distillery to Triple Distil 100% of it’s spirit production.

Lets open the first of the evening and enjoy a wee taste. This Valinch is matured in first-fill North American ex-Bourbon oak casks and is the cask strength of the outstanding Classic edition.

Auchentoshan Lowland Single Malt Scotch Whisky – Valinch 2012 Edition, Unaged, Non Chill-filtered, 57.2 % Alc/vol 70cl.

Colour…Harvest strawauchentoshan-valinch-2012

Jim’s Tasting

Nose… A little spirity, vanilla, crushed white pepper a little sweetness.

Taste… Orange marmalade, sweet sultanas but has a very young taste to it, does need a good splash of water.

Finish… Medium, fruit cake hints lingers with a wee hint of spice.

Score… 3 Corks.

This Whisky does come across as a very young dram, and at cask strength needs the benefit of some water. For a little over £37.00 this is certainly not expensive.

Number two of the evening is the 1979 vintage, Oloroso Sherry Matured, released globally last October and limited to only 1000 bottles. Distilled on the 22nd October 1979 which makes it over 32 Years.

Auchentoshan Lowland Single Malt Scotch Whisky – 1979 Vintage, Oloroso Matured, 32 Year Old, 50.5% Alc/vol 70cl.

Colour…Rich dark amberauchentoshan-1979

Jim’s Tasting

Nose… The nose is assaulted with rich dark fruitcake. sherry filled raisins, some liquorice and honey, mild tobacco, a little cinnamon pops up.

Taste… Loads of dark fruit, crushed white pepper nips the tongue a little, full bodied, some wood notes, mixed fruit preserve, a big chunk of plain chocolate, what a taste.

Finish… Long and spicy leaving your palate coated with liquorice, chocolate and Christmas spices ( Cinnamon and nutmeg ).

Score… 4.5 Corks.

Now this an exceptional dram, ideal for this time of year with all it’s fruit and spices, Rachel Barrie has created a real top notch winner here.

Loved every single drop. This outstanding bottling is only available from specialist Whisky outlets and is priced at £350.00 for your 70cl bottle.

if you are lucky enough to obtain a bottle treasure it as not many like this come along every day, if you get a chance to taste a dram, you are in for an absolute delight.

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