Auchentoshan 12 Year Old 2000 The Nectar of the Daily Drams

This 12 Year Old Auchentoshan was bottled by The Nectar especially for Drankenshop Broekmans. So, a Belgian bottling for a Belgian whiskyshop. I first tried it at an open bar and have to admit that I was not convinced at the time. So let me try it again in the tranquility of my tasting room at home.

The nose is sweet and sour on vanilla, grain cookies and citrus fruit. Grapefruit and lime. Mildly spicy giving it a piquant nose. Hint of almonds and lemon grass. Even some young cheese. Typical Auchentoshan without being spectacular. With water, it becomes a lot better. Then it turns into Limoncello on steroids.

It is piquant on the palate. Loads of pepper, even chili, precede the rather loud citrus. Honey and some cardamom follow. Vanilla, of course. I am still not all that impressed, although there is nothing wrong with it. Nothing jumps out. However, if you add a full teaspoon of water, it becomes a lot more interesting. Citrus, almonds, pepper, cardamom and a wonderful trace of woodsmoke.

The finish is quite short, on more citrus and pepper, even diluted.

I had already heard good things about this Tosha, but I am not thrilled. Unless you add enough water. Swims like the best and then turns into a lovely dram. Around 60 EUR, but I am not sure it is still available.

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