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 31 Year Old 1991 Whisky Sponge
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Auchentoshan
31 Year Old
1991 Whisky Sponge Decadent Drinks 2nd Fill Barrel Number of bottles : 179 ABV : 53.6% Color : light gold Tasted on 22/12/2023 |
Charisma
Whisky Sponge – AKA Angus McRaild – is an engaging man with a great sense of humor and a special gift with words. For example, he bottled this barrel of Auchentoshan from 1991 with Decadent Drinks – a good 31 years old, that is! – with the words 'If you are a fan of Auchentoshan, please be aware, this whisky may have too much flavor and charisma for you'. It is perhaps the best Auchentoshan he has ever tasted, mainly due to the fact that it is so un-Auchentoshan. His words, not mine. Nevertheless, I couldn't resist ordering two bottles of this: one for the ever-growing collection and one to open immediately. A birthday present to myself, so to speak.
Although the floral and grassy character of Auchentoshan is immediately recognizable, this malt is particularly distinguished by a very endearing waxiness that immediately makes me take another look at the label. This is 1991 and not 1961, right? An überfruity profile greets my nostrils. Think Jonagold apples, Doyenné du Comice pears, green banana, juicy peach, blueberries, pineapple, honeydew melon and Hedelfinger cherries. In that respect the label is perfectly designed.
It is also very waxy in taste, which really reminds me of the better blends from the 1960s. Still very fruity, but now with an emphasis on lime and white grapefruit. Some garden herbs are added, as well as candied ginger and a hint of walnuts. From the second sip on it becomes a bit decadent, all over the place, like parties in the Swinging Sixties must have been.
The finish is nice and long with the fruit slowly but surely fading away to make way for zesty notes and some cardamom.
I wouldn't call this one un-Auchentoshan, because the DNA is crystal clear (to me, at least). But I do agree with Angus that this is a malt that shows a lot of flavor and charisma. He just entered my top 3 of this year, will you look at that!