Auchentoshan 11 Year Old SMWS 5.29

The Scotch Malt Whisky Society does not need an introduction. Thanks to Luc Timmermans I was able to add this bottle to my collection, but I did not want to open it. So I was very happy to see that Sjoerd, another aficionado, had put this bottle in one of his sampling sessions, so I could get one to actually taste. This 11 Year Old Auchentoshan was distilled in 1999 and put to sleep on a 2nd fill hoghshead, to be bottled at a whopping 60,6% ABV.

At first, the nose is very grainy and spirity. The obligatory vanilla and citrus are present after a few moments. Rather flowery as well. That must be the freesias from the (in my book ridiculous) name given to this bottling. But still, it is atypical, because I get Bounty (you know, the coconut filled chocolate bar) and something that reminds me of gas. Is that last supposed to represent the escaping car? Who knows? Weird, but sweet and pleasant nose, nonetheless.

It is very sharp on the palate, because of the high alcohol content. But through it shines a slice of grapefruit, as well as some vanilla and again coconut. Caramel and a slightly bitter oak. White pepper and ginger. With water, it becomes a more familiar Auchentoshan, but loses its depth and even becomes slightly sourish.

Luckily, the sweetness is victorious on the medium long finish.

A rather strange Auchentoshan, if you know what I mean. But I am kind of fond of it, if only for the weirdly pleasant smell.

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