Auchentoshan 1984 (Master of Malt)

Interesting, an Auchentoshan with stunning Bowmore characteristics… Distilled in 1984 and bottled last year by Master of Malt.

Auchentoshan 27 yo 1984 (58%, Master of Malt 2012, bourbon barrel, 209 btl.)

Nose: heady, slightly sharpish with some fresh sawdust and lemon. Unripe fruits (green apple, green plums) and plenty of floral notes. Dandelions, violets and hints of freshly cut grass.

Mouth: immediately soapy. Lavender, roses, perfume… the dreadful FWP. Brrrr… not worth another sip, I’m afraid, but let’s be nice: there’s blueberry candy in the background.

Finish: pepper with the same tangy, alcoholic and perfumy aftertaste.

Stanley P. Morrison bought Auchentoshan in 1984, after they had already acquired Bowmore earlier on. It seems they introduced (or at least experimented with) the same methods leading to the 1980’s Bowmore profile of cheap perfume. You should experience this. Once. And then avoid it at all cost, in my humble opinion. A strange addition to the usually highly recommendable bottlings by Master of Malt. Around € 115.

Score: 58/100