Successful PR is often not just about what you say, but when you say it. History is littered with examples of press announcements issued at ill opportune times: products publicised with known underlying flaws (see the Iomega Zip Drive); sweeping promises of grandiose designs issued so far in advance that the company hasn’t even commenced working, let alone established whether they can deliver said promises (see anything by Peter Molyneaux). And then there’s the danger of the Osborne Effect – namely that prematurely publicising future, unavailable products can actually damages the sales of existing ones.
Lowlands stalwart Auchentoshan have been looking to reposition themselves within the single malt whisky market over the last couple of years. Adopting the tagline ‘distilled differently’ (highlighting their triple-distilled spirit – not quite unique, but certainly uncommon), the distillery has introduced a raft of new expressions including a host of NAS travel retail bottlings, and ‘The Bartenders Malt’, a single malt whisky specifically designed for mixing into cocktails. Repositioning aside, Auchentoshan has continues to maintains its comprehensive core range, which includes a range of age-statement and NAS expressions. Today we’ll be taking a look at the Three Wood.
For many years Auchentoshan billed itself as the only triple distilled single malt Scotch whisky. The distillation technique is commonly publicised, especially by Irish distillers, as a method which results in a narrower selection of cut spirit and an eventual lighter make – ergo a ‘smoother’ final whisky. But, Auchentoshan have been far from the only Scotch whisky to produce triple distilled spirit – Benrinnes and Springbank (via Hazelburn which was first introduced in 2005) have both used partial triple distillation, and latterly, Benriach, Benromach and Bruichladdich and have all produced small batch whiskies using the technique.
Down to the Lowlands and an Auchentoshan that’s been matured in a 1st fill ex-bourbon barrel. Sweet, Fruity & Mellow profile.
Straight-forward Auchentoshan – just a 1st fill ex-bourbon barrel employed for 15 years of maturation. Spicy & Dry profile.
Over to the Lowlands for a 16 year old Auchentoshan that’s been matured in a 1st fill ex-Bourbon hogshead for 15 years and then finished in an oloroso sherry hogshead for an additional year. One of 220 bottles. Sweet, Fruity & Mellow profile.
Down to the Lowlands for an Auchentoshan that’s been matured in a 1st fill ex-bourbon hogshead for 13 years before being finished in pedro ximenez for a good few years. Deep, Rich & Dried Fruits profile.
Down to the Lowlands for a well-aged Auchentoshan that’s been maturing in a refill ex-bourbon barrel since September 1990.