Auchentoshan Classic

Whisky review

• NAS,
• 40% ABV,
• RRP £20-25 for 70cl
• Score 58/100

What they say:

The triple distilled, award winning, extra smooth, SINGLE MALT, renowned for its soft delicate flavour. A fruity lowland malt, produced in Scotland since 1823, under the watchful eye of the distillery manager.

Triple distilled and matured solely in American bourbon casks. The result: A Lowland single malt whisky with the sweet aromas of vanilla, coconut, and the signature smooth, delicate, Auchentoshan taste.

What I say:

Initially I wasn’t sure about this basic offering from the Auchentoshan distillery. However it has grown on me. It is not as green or young as I was expecting though there was a slight oiliness and imbalance that I didn’t like at first. With further tastings I have learnt to appreciate this malt and it appears to have mellowed into a butteryness that is much more pleasing. This goes especially well with salted snacks like pork scratchings as the salt really aids in bringing out the flavours of the whisky and the whisky is slightly cleansing.

Colour:

Gold

Nose:

Oaty and sweet like dry straw and chamomile. Hints of fresh grass and new wood and a little wine and earthy smell like the mustiness of the warehouse

Taste:

Light, warm and sweet this has cereal malt, vanilla and honey with a slight buttery texture

Finish:

Peppery, short and clean

Would I buy it again:

Probably not, I think I would prefer something a little older from this distillery. I think the triple distillation and minimal [or perhaps perfectly balanced] finishing has left this a little tame. In the end this is great for drinking with bar snacks but sadly perhaps not so great for drinking it for appreciation.