September 4, 2015

Good Auchentoshan 1992 vs. 1992

I know we’ve already had quite some Auchentoshans just a few weeks ago, but this is a way of trying to keep a summery sun above our heads. Because to me, Auchentoshan is the epitomical summery malt whisky… I’d add that I find it quite ironic that Littlemill’s rather more sought after than Auchentoshan these days. Would someone have imagined that would happen, thirty years ago! Like, someone at Littlemill…

Auchentoshan 23 yo 1992/2015 (46.6%, Cadenhead, Small Batch)

Colour: white wine. Nose: we’re far from the vanilla-ed officials, this one’s rather a fresh and mineral one, with quite some cut grass, watermelons, lemongrass, a faint fizziness that reminds us of effervescent vitamin tablets, and then perhaps notes of vanilla-flavoured yoghurt (and lemon-flavoured ones as well). Noses very ‘natural’. Mouth: a very sharp, very zesty arrival that feels stronger than 46%. There’s a lot of lemon squash, a feeling of limestone and chalk, grasses, a touch of plasticine, as well as more and more bitter herbs. Grapefruit skin. Finish: medium, sharp, herbal. Touches of salted salmiak in the aftertaste, which reminds me of that funny Finnish thing we tried the other Sunday. Comments: it’s not an easy Auchentoshan at all, at least not one you could pour just anyone. Perhaps a more intellectual one? SGP:451 - 85 points.

Auchentoshan 23 yo 1992/2015 (52%, Maltbarn, bourbon, 134 bottles)

Colour: gold. Nose: this is very interesting, because it’s obviously the same distillate, only matured in more active American oak that added creaminess and ‘sexiness’, while filtering out the grassy and ‘tablety’ notes. So it feels a little less natural, and rather easier, which is not obligatorily a bad thing mind you. Let’s check it with water: we recreated the Cadenhead, with a bit more fruits, and a bit less limestone. Mouth (neat): we’re closer to the Cadenhead right from the start, with these massive grassy notes, and this bitterish lemony side. Zests and clay are ruling this baby! With water: lemon and lime all over the place. It’s a Auchentoshan that really hints at… some kind of blend of Bladnoch and Rosebank, perhaps? Finish: medium, on the same limy notes. Comments: one more point for more easiness, but we’re clearly in the same category. SGP:541 - 86 points.

Check the index of all Auchentoshan I've tasted so far