Auchentoshan 18 Years Old Lowland Single Malt Whisky
43% abv
Auchentoshan is near and dear to my heart since I cut my “whisky” teeth on Irish Whiskey. It is the only Scottish distillery that triple distils every single drop as Irish whiskeys generally are , while other Scotches are double distilled. I had forgotten that I was given this dram, (which came with a 50 mL of 12 Years Old and Three Wood) until chatting with a friend about our TGIF libation.
Auchentoshan 18 Years Old Lowland Triple Distilled Single Malt Whisky
Colour: Deep gold from 18 years ageing in ex bourbon barrels
Nose: green tea, citrus, marzipan, ginger
Palate: bourbon sweetness up front, smooth but lively, toasted almonds, dark chocolate cake on the back palate,
Finish: lovely lingering finish with sweetness and citrus and toasty vanilla.
A few drops of water really opens it up both aromas and flavours: more floral and ginger comes through; vanilla creaminess on the palate.
A lovely dram and will be looking to add a full bottle to the collection!
The Macallan Whisky Maker’s Edition
The Macallan Whisky Maker’s Edition Highland Single Malt Whisky
42.8% abv. Travel Retail Exclusive (1 L)
Opened on the occasion of of World Whisky Day, celebrating drams around the world on May 18th this year.
I purchased this duty free on a cruise ship coming back from Alaska, and also bought it without having a single taste. But with the limited selection available, it was my choice since I have enjoyed the other Macallans I have tried. And if by chance I did not enjoy it, I was sure that I would be able to find people to share it with.
WOW! I was not disappointed at all.
Rich autumn fruit aromas, almost rum raisin, clove, cinnamon and spice.
Soft and sherry spice on the palate, surprising white chocolate on the back palate; long lingering fruity finish.
A few drops of water really opened it up and brought out the creaminess on the palate, fruit and spice, and the toffee really comes through.
A very special dram and one I am going to really enjoy again.
“E” is for Edradour
Edradour 10 Years Old The Distillery Edition Highland Single Malt Whisky
Edradour 10 Years Old The Distillery Edition Highland Single Malt Whisky
40% abv 700 mL
Pitlochry, Perthshire.
#FMSphotoaday – Something beginning with “E”
Edradour 10 Years Old Highland Single Malt Whisky : lots of sweetness from ex-Bourbon casks, vanilla, marzipan, sugared almonds. Medium palate; slightly oily but less compared to other Highlands that I have tried (i.e., Glen Garioch) A touch of sherry spice comes through on the back palate; lingering finish.
I heard about this distillery many years ago when I first started in the wine and spirits business. One of its claim to fame is that it is Scotland’s smallest distillery (and possibly the smallest legal distillery any where in the world) with just 3 people working to produce its whisky; and just 12 casks as week!
This was the bottle/label that was available when I first heard about Edradour. (Photo: The Whisky Exchange – http://www.thewhiskyexchange.com/)
From what I recall, its small production was one of the reasons Canada did not have an allocation for a few years, and then it was sold to Signatory in July 2002.
More recently on the market, there is series of “Straight from the Cask” special finishes packaged with little crates. I have to try these – definitely on the list!
Edradour Straight from the Cask (Photo: http://www.royalmilewhiskies.com)
Examples of “Straight from the Cask” – other than the standard Bourbon Barrels and Sherry Casks, Edradour also ages in Sauternes, Port, various sherry types, Marsala and other wine barrels.
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