The Toshan Man

Without being grand

Generally, the distillery exclusives at Auchentoshan are really worthwhile, so I do look forward to tasting this one immensely. The Oloroso cask was put to sleep on 22 October 2014 and bottled sometime last summer, making this a 9-year-old.

A very pleasant mix of aromas meets my nostrils. Sultanas, candied dates and plums up front, followed by something that reminds me of potpourri and rubber boots. Wood glue! On the verge of sulphur, but thankfully stayed on the good side. Floral, too. After a few moments, some almond paste comes in there too, as well as clove and chewing tobacco. Captivating, without being grand.

Oily and spicy. Really spicy! The spiciness overpowers everything, preventing the fruit from showing. This needs some water. A few drops of water do it a lot of good. The spiciness comes under control and the fruit can show itself, though it still struggles. Plums, sultanas and blood orange. Something of nuts. Maple syrup. Good, without being grand.

Undiluted, the finish is a bit harsh, sharp and overly spicy, but long. Diluted, it is at least as long... no, longer! And bittersweet and dry. Okay-ish, without being grand.

This is far from bad, but still cannot really match the distillery exclusives I scored say 5 or 6 years ago..