Whisky Connosr
Menu
Shop Join

Auchentoshan Valinch 2011 Release

Cask Strength Classic

0 1085

@markjedi1Review by @markjedi1

25th Jul 2011

0

Auchentoshan Valinch 2011 Release
  • Nose
    ~
  • Taste
    ~
  • Finish
    ~
  • Balance
    ~
  • Overall
    85

Show rating data charts

Distribution of ratings for this: brand user

The name 'Valinch' is easily explained, as it's the name of the copper pipette used to draw the whisky straight from the cask. The Valinch has no age statement, which means it's rather young. It is in fact the cask strength version of the popular Classic. I got to taste this just after it's release during my visit to the distillery in 2011. It's a limited release.

The nose burst with sweet vanilla, as we are used to from young Auchentoshan. And there is a sweet touch of citrus as well. Crème brûlée and some fresh barley.

The attack is quite peppery to be followed immediately with wonderfully soft and creamy liquid that warms the mouth. This makes me happy. It's the perfect summer dram. Perfectly drinkable without water, despite the high ABV, but with a few drops of water it doesn't lose any of it's punch and remains fully flavoured.

The finish is crisply like a vanilla biscuit and last quite a while.

This is much better than the Classic, which I found to be somewhat simple. A worthy big brother, if you ask me. This is also the first whisky created by Jeremy Stephens, the new Senior Blender of the Morrison-Bowmore group. They have put the right man in the right place.

Related Auchentoshan reviews

10 comments

@sorren
sorren commented

Not much needs to be added to this review except pour me another....

12 years ago 0

@markjedi1
markjedi1 commented

@Sorren: exactly! I'm already halfway through my my third bottle :)

12 years ago 0

@Victor
Victor commented

Cask strength! Get me a bottle!

12 years ago 0

@sorren
sorren commented

Maybe a case would be better... cant wait until next years release to see if there is any difference......

12 years ago 0

@Pudge72
Pudge72 commented

The Valinch is coming to Ontario (I believe at the end of March)! At $64 it's basically in the middle in pricing between the 12 yo ($54) and the Three Wood ($77). Any suggestions from those who have tried both on which I should go with first, between the Valinch and TW?

12 years ago 0

@markjedi1
markjedi1 commented

I would strongly recommend the Valinch!

12 years ago 0

@Rosal
Rosal commented

I just found a place in Edmonton, AB Canada and from your review I think I will pick this one up. Especially for about $50CAN it seems like a bit of a steal. Thanks for the review!

12 years ago 0

@markjedi1
markjedi1 commented

Pleasure, Rosal. I hope you enjoy it!

12 years ago 0

@Pudge72
Pudge72 commented

The Valinch has landed in my cabinet!! My wonderful wife surprised me with the bottle yesterday as an early anniversary gift (it was at the top of the 'to buy at the LCBO' list). The only caveat being that I have to wait until our actual anniversary at the end of May to open it. Not a problem, as I still have 1/5 of my 'Toshan 12 bottle to go through in the meantime (it has really rounded out nicely in the past 3-4 months...it has now been open for 12 months).

The Valinch seems to be going rather quickly here in Ontario (over 60% of the original allocation seems to have been sold in less than a month).

12 years ago 0

@markjedi1
markjedi1 commented

Good catch, sir!

12 years ago 0

You must be signed-in to comment here

Sign in