Auchentoshan 8 Year Old 2006 Bordeaux Distillery Cask

My friend Peter visited the distillery last February and was kind enough to bring me a bottle of the current cask that is available in the ‘Bottle Your Own’ program. It is quite a young Auchentoshan, just under 9 years old, distilled on 15th February 2006. It is a Bordeaux wine cask, which explains the ruby color. I am looking forward to this one, knowing that (imho) Auchentoshan is one of the few distilleries that succeeds in bringing an excellent wine finished or matured whisky to the market.

It does not smell too good when it has just been poured, to be honest. Quite astringent in fact. The red fruit is totally overpowered by green smells, like a compost heap or even a fresh cow pat. So it pays to leave it at least for fifteen minutes to breath. Then it opens up beautifully with all kinds of berries, mostly raspberries and strawberries. Underneath a good helping of honey lurks. Loads of spices: nutmeg, cinnamon and cloves. Great nose – provided you take your time for it.

Despite the high ABV, it does not need water if you sip it carefully. This is almost syrup. It bursts with red fruit, very succulent and sweet with a spicy twist. The wine put its foot down, without overpowering the spirit or making it sour. Very nicely layered, I must say.

The finish is tremendously long and brings a big smile to my face.

Auchentoshan does it again! A great single malt from my favorite distillery in Glasgow. Ideal with cheese or a sweet dessert.

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