By now even the casual whisky drinker will know of Auchentoshan's triple distillation. It's core expressions are usually affordable, in contrast to some brands.
What is certain is that in its OB format 'Toshan can be polarizing, it's a supple spirit that is often presented at anemic proofs and can be botoxed to excess by oak manipulation. This will be the first time I have an older version.
It's a mix of bourbon & sherry casks no specific vatting info.
Nose: Pastry dough, or let's make that cinnamon buns, apple, some guava. I get a good bit of the grain coming through, powdered sugar, a little latex. It's pretty delicate, with time develops some fruitiness, jujubes. A smidge of pineapple.
Palate: Milk chocolate, cashews, candlewax, raisins, I get a bit of sulfur, powdered ginger, lemon rind, there is a surprising amount if grip for 43%.
Finish: light, grassy barley, a little bit if fruits but it suffers the most here, it loosens it's hold fast, leaving little impression after you've swallowed.
There are some nice aspects to this whisky, I like the attack on the palate, where the grain notes are holding their own against the sherry. Sadly the texture is so limp that the finish fails on the promise. One of the better versions I've had but still good, not great.
@OdysseusUnbound "tasted of disappointment" is accurate enough, much like @Nozinan , the "Valinch" was one the better ones I've tried.
The entry range, American oak, three wood, 12yrs etc.. Are thin and forgettable in every way.
I quite enjoyed one version of the Valinch, but my interest in 'Toshan came later than its general availability.