The Toshan Man

Charm

Until 2018 Cellar Trends was the company that distributed Auchentoshan on the home market. It was founded in 1999. To celebrate the 10th anniversary of the collaboration, the company selected a cask from 1999 and bottled it at 10 years of age. It’s single bourbon cask #161 that was launched at cask strength as a promotional gift for the Cellar Trends employees. Hence, you’ll be hard pressed to find it. It took me – the Toshan Man – no less than ten years to track down two bottles. As a side note: the collaboration with Cellar Trends ended in 2018 when the company merged with Amber Beverage Group.

Lovely, round nose on hay, camphor, lime, marzipan, mint and white chocolate. Puffed rice and chestnuts. Popcorn. Somewhat atypical, but that is the charm of this single cask. The Auchentoshan DNA remains unmistakable.

Good mouthfeel and strength. Lots of punch, but does not need any water. The citrus fruit arrives first, now, followed by nuts and grass, but wonderfully upholstered with white pepper and tannins. Tingles on the palate. Pleasant feeling.

The finish is long, starts sweet, but then turns a bit bittersweet and dies a softly drying death.

Very good, but next-to-impossible-to find Auchentoshan. If it appears in an auction or shop anywhere, let me know. I’ll scoop it up! Top Toshan.