Remember the Highland Park 1967 John Scott’s? Here’s another excellent 40 year-old that was opened by our friend Karel during his birthday tasting the other day: Auchentoshan 1965 bottled back in 2006.
Auchentoshan 40 yo 1965 (41,6%, OB 2006, bourbon cask, 200 btl.)
Auchentoshan 40 yo 1965 (41,6%, OB 2006, bourbon cask, 200 btl.)Nose: very waxy, up to the point when you double-check whether you’re having Clynelish. Hints of juicy pear, lime and lemon scented candles. Leathery notes. A little vanilla as well. Soft herbs, blending with a slightly sour touch of oak.
Mouth: pleasantly fresh, with similar citrus notes (including zests), pear peelings, leather and soft herbal honey. A little mint, hints of green tea. Some biscuity notes and cinnamon towards the end. Light tobacco.
Finish: mild but not very long, rather honeyed, with eucalyptus and just a whiff of toasted oak.
Very good, very refined, with some clearly oak-related flavours but no astringency. Some say this is one of the best Auchentoshans, I am willing to believe that. Almost impossible to find now, I’m afraid.
Score: 92/100