Auchentoshan 14 Year Old Cask Sample Douglas Laing

Chris Leggat once worked at my favorite distillery. It’s where he met his future wife Cara. When Cara joined her father’s business months later, Chris followed. Cara and Chris got married in Scottish style. What a couple, indeed. Lovely people. Chris may have left Auchentoshan, but he has not forgotten about the Toshan Man. During my visit to the Douglas Laing HQ, he had prepared a vial with my name on it. He was reluctant to release a lot of info, as it is a single cask that will probably be released sometime this year. So it is a bit of an avant-première.

The nose is of typical Auchentoshan signature on lime, coconut, vanilla, gooseberries, icing sugar, lemongrass, but it has an extra tropical layer that only reveals itself after a few moments. Papaya, mango and a hint of star fruit. Even some litchi. A surprising trace of woodsmoke makes this nose very special and makes my mouth water.

Despite the high ABV, it slides elegantly over the taste buds. The tropical fruit comes first, followed by a wave of spiciness. Think ginger, nutmeg and pepper. Vanilla as an afterthought. Powerful lass, this one.

The finish is very long and spicy. A touch of tannins and green tea at the death.

Bottle this cask already and set me aside two bottles please!

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