Auchentoshan 12 Years Old 1999 Authentic Collection (58.7% Cadenheads, Bourbon HH, 234 Bottles, 2011)

58.7% ABV, £55 for 70cl

Score: 83/100

What they say:

Distilled at Auchentoshan Distillery in the Lowland in 1999, this was matured for 12 years in a Bourbon Hogshead and bottled at Cask Strength of 58.7% ABV with a 234 bottle outturn in October 2011

What I say:

Dram #1 ‘Lowland’ from the WOLS tasting 14/1 Tour of the Regions. An awesome cask strength bourbon-matured Auchentoshan.

Colour:

Golden amber

Nose:

Clean and crisp, hordes of vanilla, a little coconut, some spirity vaporous notes like polish and a little perfumed heather (flowers)

Taste:

Crisp green apples, a lightened sugar syrup and vanilla custard and crème brulee, more spirit and vaporous notes again perhaps a little estery overripe and sweet banana

Finish:

Short and a little harsh, drying sour new wood and pencil shavings

Would I buy it again:

Easy drinking and despite the finish very enjoyable, youthful and exuberant with an intense Vanilla pod flavour on the palate making it a pleasure to dram.