Auchentoshan 12 Years Old (40%, OB, 2014)

40% ABV, £30 for 70cl

What they say:

Triple distilled then matured for over twelve years. Our Lowland Single Malt Whisky has the tempting aroma of toasted almonds, caramelised toffee and the signature smooth, delicate, Auchentoshan taste.

Tasting Notes

To The Eye

Golden honey.

To The Nose

Crème brulee, a burst of citrus and the signature nuttiness and green leafiness of Auchentoshan.

To The Tongue

Smooth and sweet with hints of tangerine and lime.

To The End

Gingery and slightly drying, with a pleasant lingering nuttiness.

What I say:

We received a miniature sample of the Auchentoshan 12 Year Old in our goodie bags at the Edinburgh Whisky Stramash 2014. I was excited to try this, as I had struggled to enjoy the Auchentoshan Classic and Three Wood previously. I was well aware of some fantastic whiskies from Auchentoshan including their Valinch and Auchentoshan 11 Years Old 1999 Bordeaux Cask Matured expressions. So far it is looking like we have a either a love them or hate them response to Auchentoshan whiskies. Thankfully this one sneaked into the very drinkable and not too expensive category!

Colour:

Golden amber

Nose:

Toffee, butterscotch, caramelised sugar/crème brulee, maple syrup and pecans/pecan pie

Taste:

A sweet and creamy toffee starts followed by citric lime, in essence chocolate lime sweeties (a favourite of mine!), light and smooth

Finish:

Short/medium, sweet toffee, citric fruits and a refreshing gingery spice

Would I buy it:

I was actually rather taken with this expression from Auchentoshan, it is a massive improvement on the Classic. What I love most of all is that chocolate and lime mixture that doesn’t sound it, but really does work well together. At around £30 a bottle I think I will be stocking this as my standard Auchentoshan bottle in the whisky hutch! It is not overly complex, in fact it is relatively simple. Effortlessly and sublimely combining two seemingly opposite flavours of creamy chocolate and citric lime fruit to perfection. Mmmm more chocolate limes…

Score: 82/100

Available from Master of Malt and The Whisky Exchange