Launched in 2008, this 18 year old bottling of triple distilled, Lowland single malt whisky boasts a superb richness for a core-range bottling and was aged in American oak casks.
Rife with toasty oak and vanilla spice. Chocolate cake and a lovely grassiness, damp, yet drying. Crystallised ginger.
Toasty vanilla, dark nuttiness, chestnut perhaps and something zesty, softening slightly after a time.
A malty finish, with a little custard and fresh flowers.
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Fairly disappointed - first time really when spending lots of $ on a special occasion whisky- my other experiences with Auchentoshan were positive so I am quite surprised. Odd overtones- “green tea” IMHO doesn’t belong in a fine Scotch whiskey.
cant compete with other 18 year olds
Got a sample. Enjoyable, honeyed, floral, toffee- the usual suspects. BUT not much length or character. The taste sensation is brief, with the 'hit' quickly fading, which i didn't expect. So a bit polite (as someone else said) and underpowered for me.
I'm not a big fan of peat, and although this shouldn't have any peat, it's there. Not a lot, but it's there. I much prefer the 21 and 12 with no detectable peat.
We all have different tastes. I am not a big "smoke head". I like a little but I prefer a Bunnahabhain or a Ledaig to the full-on Laphroaig. On the other hand, whilst I respect the Irish tradition of triple distillation, sometimes I think it robs a whisky of character. I had put off trying the Auchentoshan because of mixed reviews but then I spotted a miniature of the 18 so I put my toe in the water and enjoyed it. I like Glenkinchie 15. It is very civilised, like Edinburgh. This seemed a step up in terms of quality with big chewy mouth-feel, lots of toffee and more spice than I expected. So I took the plunge and bought a whole bottle. My first reaction is one of slight disappointment. I agree that there is a hint of old walking sock. I can't make up my mind whether that's comforting or disturbing. The vanilla/fudge/toffee/honey/malt is definitely the dominant flavour and there are days when that is exactly what I want. There are moments though when it reminds me of the Penderyn Aur Cymru and I am not even sure if that should be called whisky. I'll keep it and enjoy it from time to time but I doubt I'll buy another.
