Auchentoshan Virgin Oak Batch Two

Virgin Oak is in. Recently a Glen Garioch Virgin was released and now Auchentoshan follows. Who knows, maybe a Bowmore Virgin Oak is next (the three distilleries, as you know, are part of the same group). I had to wait (too) long on this one, but today it arrived, so I opened it immediately.

The nose starts off somewhat timidly, but after a good five minutes a nice panoply of aromas emerges. Apple pie with vanilla ice, lemon juice, something dusty that I cannot really put the finger to but gives it a nice depth. Leave it for a while longer and it evolves towards candied oranges. Cinnamon is the leading spice with nutmeg as its sidekick. The virgin wood has not overpowered this delicate Lowland spirit. Hurray, a good start!

Silky soft mouthfeel with an immediate burst of fruit and spices. Ginger budges in, which is no surprise. It is even more fruity on the palate than on the nose. A small fruit salad with tangerines from a can, pineapple on syrup and some apples in the mix. Peach and apricot too. Kiwi! Midpalate it turns a bit floral. Lemongrass.

The finish is rather short, but does remain juicy with a wonderfully warm spiciness and a hint of brown sugar.

A surprisingly fruity Auchentoshan that does not disappoint. I have only two points of criticism. In my opinion, it could do with a higher ABV (like the Valinch) and a lower price. 85 EUR for a no age statement Auchentoshan seems a bit steep.

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