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 14 Year Old Cask Sample by Douglas Laing
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Auchentoshan
14 Year Old Cask
Sample Douglas Laing & Co No of bottles: 1 ABV : undisclosed Color : straw Tasted on 14/02/2014 |
Tropical Layer
Chris Leggat once worked at my favorite distillery. It’s where he met
his future wife Cara. When Cara joined her father’s business months
later, Chris followed. Cara and Chris got married in Scottish style.
What a couple, indeed. Lovely people. Chris may have left Auchentoshan,
but he has not forgotten about the Toshan Man. During my visit to the
Douglas Laing HQ, he had prepared a vial with my name on it. He was
reluctant to release a lot of info, as it is a single cask that will
probably be released sometime this year. So it is a bit of an avant-première.
The nose is of typical Auchentoshan signature on lime, coconut,
vanilla, gooseberries, icing sugar, lemongrass, but it has an extra
tropical layer that only reveals itself after a few moments. Papaya,
mango and a hint of star fruit. Even some litchi. A surprising trace
of woodsmoke makes this nose very special and makes my mouth water.
Despite the high ABV, it slides elegantly over the taste buds. The
tropical fruit comes first, followed by a wave of spiciness. Think
ginger, nutmeg and pepper. Vanilla as an afterthought. Powerful
lass, this one.
The finish is very long and spicy. A touch of tannins and green tea
at the death.
Bottle this cask already and set me aside two bottles please!