Auchentoshan 1991 (Malts of Scotland)

Let’s be grateful for the fact that Malts of Scotland forgot to finish its new Auchentoshan 1991 in a Château Montrose wine cask… (read this). This time it’s plain bourbon oak doing the magic.

Auchentoshan 21 yo 1991
(52,3%, Malts of Scotland 2013, bourbon barrel, MoS 13016, 165 btl.)

Nose: quite aromatic, with lots of whitecurrant and orange juice. Also strawberries and kiwis. Lychees. Nicely candied. Also a faint Ben Nevis-like waxiness (lipstick). Honeysuckle. Grass. Rose petals? A little vanilla and fresh oak shavings as well. Overall really attractive.

Mouth: sweet and fruity, with a style that’s reminiscent of some Irish whiskies. Oranges, pineapple gums. Soft vanilla and spices. Some floral notes as well (very lightly soapy) but nothing disturbing. Hints of cinnamon bark.

Finish: not too long, but nicely fruity with light oak spices.

An unusual dram, but nicely fruity. Probably the best Auchentoshan I’ve had in recent years. Certainly worth a look. Around € 100.

Score: 87/100