Auchentoshan whisky distillery was founded in 1823 by John Bulloch, a grain merchant who took out a distiller’s licence as a way of using up surplus barley. A bomb crater from World War II behind the distillery now forms the pond which supplies cooling water to the condensers. Production resumed after the war in 1948 but every litre of whisky made went into blended Scotch – Auchentoshan was reputed to lend a smoothness and a ‘brandy-like character’ to the mix. Only in the 1970s was it first bottled by its owner as a single malt, but now there is a core range of six expressions, including this 18 Years Old.
It is triple distilled and matured in American bourbon oak for over eighteen years. The result is a refreshing Lowland single malt whisky with the added infusion of ripe citrus and green tea, the warmth of toasted almonds and the signature smooth, delicate, Auchentoshan taste.
Deep gold in hue. A mild, rounded nose, with aromatic oil in the foreground, baked apple in the middle, on a base of caramel wafer. Both the oiliness and the fruitiness increase with water. A smooth and oily texture, with a sweet and fragrant taste, leaving milk chocolate in the aftertaste and development.
