Insider knowledge: Auchentoshan 16 Year Old Bourbon Cask whisky is named whisky by virtue of the fact it's from Scotland. If distilled in America the spelling would be Auchentoshan 16 Year Old Bourbon Cask whiskey, as opposed to whisky.
Nose: Vanilla sweetness, quite light, though, and crisp. Toffee.
Palate: Barley, soft richness with the influx of oily honey, light citrus, stone fruits and dried grass.
Finish: Long, with zesty clarity and a dry freshness.
A masterpiece, full impact of vanilla and honey with lemon sprinkled flowers, a touch of wood in the finish. First-fill bourbon cask+Auchentoshan=a match made in heaven.
This 16 Year Old Auchentoshan is a vatting of first fill bourbon barrels. A total of 4.800 bottles were released at a cask strength of 53,7%. I did not compose this tasting note by myself, but also used the imput of the audience during my Toshan Night (an all Auchentoshan tasting I hosted in Belgium recently). This is our joint verdict. The nose is very rich and fruity with loads of good stuff like citrus, vanilla, maraschino cherries, syrup waffles, coconut and even some chocolate (Bounty?) and nougat. Wonderful. The ABV means business on the palate, nice and feisty. But it does not need water. It is very sweet and creamy. Reminds me somewhat of pastry. Ripe pineapples, pears (sirop de Liege), almonds, liquorice. A little spicy, mostly cinnamon. Mon cheri. Macarons with coconut. This is just great. The finish is medium in length, sweet and spicy. This is a very exciting and feisty Auchentoshan, with the best a bourbon barrel has to offer. It is the kind of Auchentoshan that makes people tell me ‘now I understand why you are the Toshan Man’, which I take as an absolute compliment. Worth every penny. Mark Dermul - Toshan Man.
Another great recommendation from Toshan Man and happy to find my way to one of the last bottles at Binny's. Amazing.