The Toshan Man

1998

Chapter 7 is a Swiss independent bottler, active since 2015, run by a certain Selim Evin. Doesn't sound very Swiss, but what do I know about that? I've tasted an Allt-a-Bhainne, Glen Keith and Tormore from Chapter 7 before, but now I have a 22-year-old Auchentoshan in the glass.

Oooh, that nose is very interesting. A tropical Auchentoshan! Coconut, Reine Claude, marshmallows and meringue, a bouquet of wild flowers and banana split. Something that reminds me of cane sugar, followed by some sweetened popcorn like you can buy in the cinema and vanilla. Very good!

That's a great mouthfeel. Creamy, even. Again Reine Claude and coconut, but now also dried papaya and honey. Cinnamon is coming in. Marshmallows are returning. Only midpalate do the obligatory notes of citrus appear. I get both lime and mandarin. Good strength, by the way.

Wonderfully long finish with a feisty spiciness. Citrus and sultanas.

Well, that was good. An excellent Auchentoshan, if you ask me. I add 1998 to the list of excellent vintages. Thank you, Gwen & Richard, for the generous sample!