Auchentoshan Springwood

Nose: Lightness, vanilla, green banana, light buttery notes reminiscent of Brazil nuts, smoky notes from toasted barrels, a bit of ash, honey, sweetness, dry woodiness, a slight citrus that suggests a lime orange, a little spice, and some alcohol warmth. Low complexity on the nose, with a clear impression that re-charred barrels were used. Palate: Low oiliness, light, with sweetness and vanilla being prominent. The smoky notes from toasted barrels and ash are still quite present, making the nose and palate consistent. However, the alcohol is more noticeable on the palate, causing your mouth to warm up quickly during and after sipping. Finish: Short, with evident sweet, bitter, and alcoholic aftertaste. After 10 seconds, a slight spiciness and sweetness remain in the mouth, along with a somewhat watery woodiness and a bit of ash. Overall Impressions: A young whisky, not very complex, but offers good value. It has a good price, comes in a liter bottle, and will appeal to many beginners in the world of single malts. However, its lack of complexity might disappoint more experienced enthusiasts, as there are currently American oak-matured whiskies with more interesting sensory notes available at a similar price. It's not a bad whisky, just simple and far from great. It can be enjoyed neat, with ice, or in cocktails of your choice.

A standard Auchentoshan offering. Springwood clearly lacks the potency and depth of flavor found in Three Wood or even the 12-year-old, placing it nearer to the uninspired American Oak. Nevertheless, if forced to pick between American Oak and Springwood, I would lean towards the latter. The nose is strong yet subdued or even gentle, slightly musty, alcoholic, smooth, with hints of raw egg, vegetation, tart fruits, a whisper of vanilla and grain. It presents a sweet and artificial taste (though these artificial notes are less evident than in the standard range): wood polish, lacquer, some small fruits, nectar, citrus peel, a touch of ethanol, distinct vanilla, significant wood. This gives the flavor a distinct springtime character. The finish is brief, thin, moderately sweet with a subtle sourness at the conclusion. Generally, this whiskey is quite unremarkable and foreseeable, and its elements are notably simple, although I cannot label it poor. I reckon a score of 2.75 or 3 is a just and fitting evaluation for this dram (whichever one, depending on my disposition).

It seems Auchentoshan aimed for something commendable but missed the mark, pursuing complexity only to find a jumble of aromas that clash. Pale gold hue, 40% ABV. On the nose, it's intricate, yet some scents are off-putting (to me, at least). Malty, Earthy, Fresh smell. Barley, Yeast; very reminiscent of Irish whiskeys. Lime zest after a while. Corn, Chocolate. At times, it had the character of a grain whisky. The palate is much less intricate, sweet, and easily enjoyed. Nutty, Chocolate (like Reese's), Corn, Peppery Spice. The finish is predominantly sweet, like Reese's chocolate, and very brief. Overall, it lacks cohesion in places and isn't a well-rounded drink. 70 out of 100.

Nose: vanilla, heavy dark chocolate, sweet fruits, fig, cream Palate: vanilla, dark chocolate, honey, stone fruits, peach, apricot, bit of citrus Finish: sweet, rounded, rich, oily, long finish An average dram which certainly isn’t a bad thing at all! Very easy drinking whisky perfect really as an everyday drinker. Nothing complex about it but delivers some decent flavours and has a surprisingly long finish for me.

A bit thin as it lacks breadth and depth in flavor. The flavor is also somewhat harsh as you see in cheaper whiskies. However, the flavor is good. Hence the rating.

A drinking companion suggested a sample. It remained just a sample to this day. Unmemorable spicy floral light spirit. Suitable for warm weather, I suppose.