The Toshan Man

Nothing Delicate

David Stirk’s Creative Whisky Company has three ranges. In their portfolio, there is currently only one Auchentoshan, an 11 Year Old from 1999, bottled in their Exclusive Range. The cask sample that I got from David (thanks for bringing it back to me, Jeroen!) is something of a mystery. I have absolutely no clue if it will be bottled or not. I spoke to David about this and it appears it is indeed the cask strength sample of that particular whisky. That puts me in the unique position of tasting it at cask strength as well.

The nose confirms the assumption that this is a sherry cask. Dark fruit, both juicy and dry. Raisins, apricots, honey. Mildly floral and even a touch herbal. Surprisingly meaty. First fill sherry? Touch of cloves and cinnamon. And a litter, err, sweat. Becomes a bit sour. Good, but the Toshan character is not very recognizable. There is nothing delicate about this. Adding water brings out chocolate.

Sturdy attack, good body. Chili pepper, cloves and loads of nutmeg. The sherry is loud, for sure. The dark fruit returns. Touch of leather kicks in. More sweet than sour now, which is a good thing. Diluted it is rounder, softer, more feminine and in the end simply better.

Long and spicy finish which, if diluted, leaves the mouth dry.

I would never have guessed this was an Auchentoshan had I tasted it blind. Hence I fully understand why the Creative Whisky Company decided to bottle it at drinking strength.