Auchentoshan 24 Year Old Noble Oak

Just like the Blood Oak, this Noble Oak was meant for the travel retail market, but that is not where I got it. It is the successor, so the speak, of the Silveroak, which was released as a vintage 1991 in 2012, 2013 and 2014. All of them were excellent with a price tag of around 105 EUR. Now that it has turned 24 years old, suddenly the price triples. Oh, dear. This had better be good. It is again a mix of bourbon and oloroso sherry casks, bottled at cask strength.

Wonderfully sweet nose with dried flowers, raisins, baked banana and some coconut. Pears under a light layer of chocolate sauce. Touch of jasmin, twig of mint. Some roasted almonds. This is good (heaves a sigh of relief).

The arrival is quite punchy, spicy and creamy at the same time. Liquorice, espresso and white fruit. The pears return, as does the mint. After Eight. Brown sugar. The second sip allows the sherry influences to shine. Ginger, grapefruit. Loads of spices. Quite mouth coating.

Wonderfully long finish that leaves the mouth dry and warm.

I have a slight preference for the Silveroak. I think it has to do with the mix of bourbon versus sherry casks. I think the amount of sherry casks that went in here is lower than with the Silveroak. Nevertheless another great dessert whisky from my favorite distillery.

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