The Toshan Man

WTF? FWP!

The British chain Master of Malt quite often brings out single casks under their own banner. This new Auchentoshan 27 Year Old from 1984 has found a place in the Toshan Man collection. I also got me a couple of samples to try it without having to open up my bottle immediately. I have heard quite a few good things about this one, so I am very much looking forward to it.

On the first whiff, you already realise you have got a special dram in your glass. Vanilla and citrus, as usual, with something milky and chocolaty. Milk chocolate? Chocolate milk? Marshmallows. Grain biscuits. But then suddenly it turns completely floral! I am reminded of violets and dandelions. Pinch of pepper. The longer you wait, the more delicate it becomes, but the more flowers you get as well.

It is slightly oily and spicy. Mouth coating. The flowers take hold on the palate, mostly violets. Rosewater. Parma violets, too, the hard Candy. It balances on the edge of perfumed, though. Pity. Maple syrup and honey, light vanilla. The pepper becomes quite loud, now. Adding water emphasizes violets and crystal sugar and pushes the whisky over that fine line. FWP, damn it! Grrrrr.

The finish is long on peppery rosewater. No. This is a let down.

The nose was terrific at first, but the palate and finish exhibit an extremely floral Auchentoshan, flirting with perfume. It suffers from the same fate as early 80s Bowmore, I fear. It lost quite a bit of points in my book, while the nose alone was an 85. 

PS. Tip: I found that, if you add enough water and leave it for about five minutes, it becomes better. The FWP evaporates and makes room for nice citrus and vanilla, drawing it back above 80 points. But you will need to be patient and add a lot of water, something not everybody will be inclined to do.