Auchentoshan 17 Year Old 1997 Douglas Laing Old Particular

This is already the fourth Auchentoshan that Douglas Laing releases in their celebrated Old Particular range. It is also the oldest in the series with its 17 years of maturation on a refill hogshead.

Ha, this is interesting! Whiile the nose offers the classic traits of Auchentoshan (citrus, malt, flowers), this one has something extra. It is not truly clean and offers some umami traits. I seem to even smell something of the mash. But also white chocolate with rice. Some mandarin and apricot and a hint of coconut paste. Camphor and ginger, but also nettles and a single pine cone. Lovely!

It is creamy, round and mouth coating and immediately reminds me of a candy store. Both hard and soft candy, sour bars and gummi bears. Strawberry in yoghurt! Where does that come from? But good! Then some grapefruit and yellow apples kick in to smother the candy in a rather classic Auchentoshan taste.

The finish may not be very long, but it is spicy, sweet and warm and brings a smile to my face.

What a ride! This Auchentoshan was – especially on the palate – a nice adventure. Pure fun.

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