Auchentoshan 2000 17 Year Un-Chillfiltered Collection (Signatory)

The aroma presents pleasant smoke and peat intertwined with a sweet fruitiness, reminiscent of peaches. Notes of malt and vanilla are also detectable. It has a delightful smell, evoking Highland Park 18 and seeming appropriate in age for 17 years. The palate is smooth, enlivened by spice without any harsh alcohol presence. It possesses moderate-to-high viscosity. Abundant peat and smoke are accompanied by pleasing bourbon barrel spices, which introduce sweetness and hints of apple and cherry. Surprisingly, this surpasses Signatory's Glentauchers 20 and Fettercairn 29. The smokiness is remarkably well-maintained. The palate is quite good, featuring a controlled, pleasant bready character that complements the herbal notes introduced by the peat. Its smoothness is truly impressive, as is the butterscotch sweetness. This could certainly pass as a fine Islay Scotch. Deeper exploration reveals further subtle layers, although they are difficult to discern. There's also a touch of grassiness. It brings to mind the typical Signatory profile combined with Laphroaig 10, aged to achieve greater smoothness. Its apparent strength despite a light color is unexpected, though similar to Ardbeg. While not on par with Ardbeg Supernova 2019 or Traigh Bhan, it is very good. It would be excellent if the palate matched the nose, but I do genuinely enjoy it as is.