.auchentoshan - heartwood

40% abv, single malt, caramel E150a added

Nose: slightly medicinal, fresh, stone fruits, citrus, mint, grass, yellow flowers, sour white grapes
Palate: fat, firm, stone fruits, mango, citrus, grapes, thick honey
Finish: long, sweet, honey, sweet water melon
Mark: +++++

Conclusion: The medicinal notes on the notes have a non appealing and are overly present, so I had to reach out for better scents. The flavour and finish have 'rescued' this dram. Not bad, but completely out of balance.
I might do a re-taste soon, because I have a full litre available.

More info: Matured in both ex-Bourbon and ex-Oloroso Sherry casks, married together. The Heartwood is one of the tax-free only bottlings of Auchentochan, but can regularly be found in the better stocked retailers and many online stores.

.auchentoshan - 12

40% abv, single malt, caramel E150a added

Nose: bitter, fresh, apples, citrus, limes, salted butter, mint
Palate: gentle, bitter (like strong black tea), citrus, oranges, honey
Finish: sharp, quite long, bitter (the tea again), syrup, liquorish
Mark: +++++

Conclusion: Not a favourite, but a good dram to enjoy whenever. Affordable.

More info: Like all other Auchentoshans, every drop has been distilled three times.

.auchentoshan - 18

40% abv, single malt, caramel E150a added

Nose: fresh fruits, green herbs, basil, green tea, grass
Palate: gentle, fresh, sweet, honey, flowers, roses, nuts, hazelnuts,
Finish: warn, round, fat (like olive oil) honey,
Mark: +++++


Conclusion: Although I have not found a lot on the nose, it is a very elegant whisky. Nothing really special though, so I would recommend the Auchentoshan Three Wood when in doubt. Not one for my wish-list, but I would  gladly drink when offered.

More info: Solely matured in ex-Bourbon casks for 18 years.

.auchentoshan - springwood

40% abv, single malt, caramel E150a added

Nose: reminds me of crayons, citrus, lime, vanilla, salted butter
Palate: honey-sweet, gentle, round, fat mouthfeel, fresh, citrus, lime, lots of vanilla, nuts
Finish: medium long, gentle, sugar sweet, lingering sweet in the back of the throat accompanied by hazelnuts and chestnuts
Mark: +++++

Conclusion: Quite young. It could profit from some more years in "the finest ex-Bourbon casks" to get it out of the spring and into the summer. For me it's not an instant classic, but it is nice to drink whenever the temperature is up, but the weather is just not good enough to sit outside. Like spring...

More info: Originally only available in tax-free stores, but it can be found on more and more online and actual stores.

.auchentoshan - three wood

43% abv, single malt, chill-filtered, caramel E150a added

Nose: sweet, vanilla, wood, salt, briny, dried fruits, plums, raisins
Palate: sweet, soft, gentle, rum-soaked raisins, dark chocolate, coffee-sweets (hopjes)
Finish: firm, medium long, sweet, oranges, marmalade,

Mark: +++++

Conclusion: Good one. Definitely one to purchase.

More info: Has matured for 10 years in ex-Bourbon, 1year in ex-Oloroso Sherry, 1 year in ex-Pedro Ximénez Sherry casks, after being tripple distilled, as every single drop of Auchentochan has.

.auchentoshan - classic

40% abv, single malt

Nose: medicinal, grass, herbal, fruit
Palate: mildly sweet, sharp on the tongue
Finish: slightly bitter, short
Mark: +++++

Conclusion: I have tasted this whisky on several occasions: in masterclasses, on festivals, or at a friends' home, but always come to the conclusion I am not a fan. It is not bad, but I am not buying a bottle when other whisky is available.