Auchroisk 1991 (Claxton’s)

Another 25 year-old Auchroisk that seems very similar to this year’s Special Release. Actually we tried both directly against each other.

Auchroisk 25 yo 1991 (51,7%, Claxton’s 2016, bourbon hogshead #1604-7479, 280 btl.)

Nose: slightly narrower and grassier than the Special Release. That means a bit more grassy notes (towards hay) and missing the brightest top notes. Still very fresh, including the floral touches (lilac). Apples, pears and oranges. Hints of pineapple. Also honey and vanilla.

Mouth: orchard fruits at its core, with more honey and less minty oak than in the Special Release. Tinned fruits, hints of dried fruits as well. Sweet spices (ginger, pepper, aniseed). Creamy vanilla, a little latte.

Finish: quite long, sweet and fruity, with subtle oak.

The Auchroisk Special Release had an unusually bright, minty fruitiness. Here it is more common and slightly more syrupy. Similar, less special, but if you take into account the value for money… well… around € 110.

Score: 85/100