The Toshan Man
Mark Dermul
Sample trading?
If you can help me expand my whisky palate, especially Auchentoshan, get in touch with me. Much obliged!
Auchentoshan 2009 Festival Bottle
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Auchentoshan
2009 Festival Bottle Official Bottling 2009 Distillery Exclusive No of bottles: 500 ABV : 56,6% Color : Pale Gold Tasted on 27/12/2010 |
Tangerine Slices
In 2009, the new Head Distiller of Auchentoshan, Jeremy Stephens, tried
to put the distillery back on the map by organising a festival. Some
2600 visitors could purchase a bottle that was created especially for
this occasion. It is a very young whisky (5 to 6 years, if I remember
correctly), matured solely on bourbon casks. Only 500 bottles were
available at the festival. Afterwards, you could only get it at the
distillery (which is where I picked up my bottle).
The nose is very fresh and crisp with vanilla and lime, baked tangerine
slices, a hint of banana and sweet barley. Adding water makes it
even sweeter, with banana being at the fore.
The attack is surprisingly smooth, despite the high alcohol content. I
got some feisty spices, but the dram remains utterly drinkable.
Tangerines again, vanilla and a touch of coconut. Diluted it becomes
somewhat creamy, but loses some of its punch, even becomes a bit
flat. So have it straight.
The (undiluted) finish is long and mildly spicy. Diluted it becomes even
longer and warm. Lovely.
Despite its young age, I really like this Toshan.