Auchentoshan 31 Year Old 1973 Sherry Butt #803

A big sample of this was a nice gift from Chris at my birthday tasting. I am very grateful to him. Old Auchentoshan can be so beautiful. Remember the grand Auchentoshan 32 Year Old 1979 Sherry Cask Matured that I got my hands on last year? Now let me try this auldie, bottled in 2004. This is my 87th Auchentoshan already and probably the darkest I ever poured.

On the nose, this is rum! Boy, what a deep, sweet candied sugar! Followed closely by raisins and dades. Some coffee liqueur, dark honey and old leather. Barely spices to speak of. Some cinnamon, yes. Fresh prunes and dried mango. Silky soft and grand.

On the palate, it is very soft. A little creamy. Reminds me of rum again, with hints of maple syrup, black tea and that dark fruit. Some citrus, but in the background. The spices are a bit louder now. Next to cinnamon, cloves, liquorice and star anise appear. Tobacco. Slightly drying from the wood. What a balance!

The finish is long and warm on liquorice, cinnamon and blood oranges.

Damn, they do not make them like this anymore! Chris, next time we meet, you are up for a big hug. This is a top Toshan!

Find where to buy Auchentoshan whisky