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.
Nose: Sherry is immediate with boozy trifle chocolate and latte coffee. Burnt toffee and icecream sit alongside ginger, almond and orange zest. In the background, herbalness – potpourri and delicate sweet perfume. The addition of water adds peach melba alongside an array of orange-based aromas – mandarin juice and vintage Grand Marnier.
Taste: Jammy fruits arrive first – raspberries and blackberries all heavy reduced. Chocolate and black forest gateaux are livened by ginger biscuits (lebkuchen) and cardamom spiced sponge cake. The back-palate again reveals an underlying floralness – rose petals and violets. Reduction heightens the chocolate flavour whilst adding coffee grounds and earthiness.
Finish: Medium to long with earthy ginger cake, chocolate and icing sugar.
A rather idiosyncratic Auchentoshan that’s developed an unusual floral/earthy ginger character. But, it holds it all together nicely providing a tasty, and different take on PX finishing. Oh, and if you like lebkuchen, you should be all over this.