Auchentoshan 26 Year Old 1993 Infrequent Flyers

Infrequent Flyers is a brand new series from the recently started bottler Alistair Walker. Alistair is none other than the son of living legend Billy Walker, currently owner of GlenAllachie. So it’s fair to say Alistair knows his way around whisky. He launched 18 single casks in 2019. When I read that one of his first was an Auchentoshan, I obviously had to give that one a try.

The nose is very soft on vanilla, dry wood, lime and some hay and wild flowers. But I must confess I do not think this exceptional at all. I mean, if you are not particularly fond of Auchentoshan, it will not do anything for you. For me – as I can recognize my beloved Lowlander – it’s a bit like coming home, but it certainly does not blow me away. Very ordinary.

I get the typical citrusy and grassy notes on the palate, but there is also a bitterness as if from chestnut and oak. Green garden herbs and some almond shavings, but little outspoken and therefore not overly pleasant.

Only in the finish does the vanilla return joined by quite a perfume-y note. Jasmin, mostly.

Being the Toshan Man, it hurts a little to have to say this, but honesty first: this Auchentoshan is to regular to stand out. Pity, but I would then rather spend that 150 EUR on three bottles of the new and fresh Sauvignon Blanc release.

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