Auchroisk 20 Year Old Diageo Special Release 2010

This Auchroisk was part of the Special Releases from Diageo in 2010. A little less than 6.000 bottles were filled at a strength of 58.1%. It’s a combination of American and European oak. Last November I tried the 30 years old that was presented in 2012. I am very much looking forward to this one.

Complex and very aromatic, that is the least you can say of this nose. Very fruity on banana, peach, pineapple, oranges and quince. Wonderful honey and quite a bit of almond oil. Coconut and buttercups. Sultanas and some candied lemon. A bit zesty, a bit waxy.

On the palate it is very sweet and fruit, but immediately very, very spicy. Both the alcohol and a spiciness as if from allspice, white pepper and liquorice makes me gasp for breath for a moment. Once the malt has settle on your taste buds, it offers a lovely panoply of white and yellow fruit, both European and tropical, upholstered with laurel and green spices. Very creamy, by the way. Grand.

The finish is very long, warm and mildly drying, but remains deliciously sweet until the death.

Very impressive Auchroisk indeed! The difference with the 30 years old is pretty small. Too small to warrant the difference in price. I’ll take this one!

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