Nestled at the base of the Kilpatrick Hills in Western Scotland, Auchentoshan Distillery, established in 1800, stands as one of the few remaining Lowland Single Malt Whisky distilleries. It has earned the moniker "Glasgow's Distillery" for its close proximity to the city and is known for its whisky's nickname, "breakfast whisky," owing to its delightful sweetness and elegant texture. During World War II, the distillery endured relentless bombings, resulting in the loss of much of its maturing whisky to fire or the Clyde River that flows alongside. Despite the challenges, Auchentoshan was rebuilt after the war, serving as a testament to Scottish resilience and ingenuity.
Auchentoshan Single Malt Scotch Whisky is crafted using carefully malted, unpeated optic barley. After malting, the barley is milled, mashed, and then fermented in wooden washbacks made of Oregon Pine. Though wooden washbacks are costlier and require more upkeep than stainless steel, they retain some of the fermentation's warmth, yielding a lighter and slightly sweeter whisky.
Following fermentation, the whisky is triple distilled using Auchentoshan's copper pot stills, unlike the traditional double distillation found in Scotch whisky. This additional distillation stage, unique among major Scottish distilleries, involves passing the spirit through a wash still, intermediate still, and finally, a spirit still. This extra distillation imparts a purer and more refined character to the whisky, setting it apart from others.
Auchentoshan Virgin Oak Single Malt Scotch Whisky exclusively matures in newly charred casks made of North American oak. While Scotch traditionally matures in used sherry, port, or bourbon casks, employing new oak casks as a finishing technique allows the whisky to embrace the sweeter and more complex flavors of virgin wood. The whisky is then bottled without chill filtration or artificial coloring, preserving its authentic character.
This expression reveals enticing aromas of banana custard, creamy vanilla, and caramel apples. On the palate, one can savor spiced fruits, notably kiwi, oranges, and apples, culminating in a lingering touch of spiced pears. Auchentoshan Virgin Oak Single Malt Scotch Whisky offers a truly delightful and flavorful experience for whisky enthusiasts seeking unique and enticing expressions.
