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 8 Year Old 2006 Bordeaux Distillery Cask
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Auchentoshan
8 Year Old 2006
Distillery Exclusive Bordeaux Cask 186 Number of bottles: undisclosed ABV : 57,5% Color : Bronze Tasted on 16/04/2015 |
Raspberries
My friend Peter visited the distillery last February and was kind enough
to bring me a bottle of the current cask that is available in the
‘Bottle Your Own’ program. It is quite a young Auchentoshan, just
under 9 years old, distilled on 15th February 2006. It is
a Bordeaux wine cask, which explains the ruby color. I am looking
forward to this one, knowing that (imho) Auchentoshan is one of the
few distilleries that succeeds in bringing an excellent wine
finished or matured whisky to the market.
It does not smell too good when it has just been poured, to be honest.
Quite astringent in fact. The red fruit is totally overpowered by
green smells, like a compost heap or even a fresh cow pat. So it
pays to leave it at least for fifteen minutes to breath. Then it
opens up beautifully with all kinds of berries, mostly raspberries
and strawberries. Underneath a good helping of honey lurks. Loads of
spices: nutmeg, cinnamon and cloves. Great nose – provided you take
your time for it.
Despite the high ABV, it does not need water if you sip it carefully.
This is almost syrup. It bursts with red fruit, very succulent and
sweet with a spicy twist. The wine put its foot down, without
overpowering the spirit or making it sour. Very nicely layered, I
must say.
The finish is tremendously long and brings a big smile to my face.