Auchentoshan Virgin Oak

Nearly as good as the 21-year-old. On the nose, candied orange, caramel, and dried fruit are dominant, confirmed on the palate with a touch of honey. It's smooth, like the finest bourbons, considering its aging and barrel selection. A very long, sweet finish. An outstanding drink that reinforces my high regard for triple distilled spirits! ______________________________________________________________________________ Good, almost like the 21 year old. The nose is dominated by candied orange, caramel, and dried fruit, which are also confirmed on the palate with a hint of honey. Smooth like the best bourbons given the aging process and the barrels used. Very long and sweet finish. Excellent drink, which confirms my highest regard for triple distilled!

A robust Single Malt Scotch Whisky from Auchentoshan Distillery in Scotland's Lowlands, distinguished by its triple distillation process and exclusive use of its own barrels. It begins with rich notes of crème brûlée, vanilla, and subtle hints of apple and ginger. Its maturation develops flavors of oak, cinnamon, butterscotch, and a touch of tart fruit like kiwi and green apple, leading to a delicate and rich finish with hints of malt, pine, and spice. April / August 2019 / July 2022

A delightful whisky that could use more depth, offering subtle floral hints and the always-welcome presence of honey. Oak is the true star here (the first impression upon blind tasting was 'lumberyard'). It has a medium body, with a palate that strongly features both the honey and wood aromas. The finish has a spiced character and is of moderate length. It's enjoyable, but not essential for dedicated whisky collectors.

This is batch no. 2. I appreciate virgin oak aging and have recently enjoyed several exceptional ones (yes, I'm referring to you, Tullibardine 'Murray'). This particular one begins with promising notes but has a slightly off characteristic that persists. It's rated 3.5 and costs $120 USD in New Zealand.

Jack Daniels. Notes of honey, berries, candy, and maple. Vanilla is present too. Difficult to discern specific flavors after adding water. It's smooth yet potent.

Very sugary and caramel-like. The finish is quite pleasant. Adding one ice cube enhanced its smoothness.