First, I want to acknowledge this is not a post about an American Whiskey or Bourbon. I, until this last year, had been repelled by scotch. The ones I had sampled left my mouth tasting like I had made out with a full ashtray..so smokey. However, last year when on a trip to Vegas a bartender enlightened me to the beauty that Scotch could be as he poured me a glass of Auchentoshan Scotch on the house.
Change. Its something that we are all capable of. Change of heart, change of love, change of conviction. And yes, even a change of whiskey preferences.
Auchentoshan Single Malt Scotch Whisky Three Wood: Finished in Spanish Sherry Casks
This Scotch is nothing short of spectacular. The whisky (Scotch is just Scottish whisky, fyi) is tripled distilled and aged in American bourbon oak but then it is finished in Spanish sherry casks. What's interesting is that when you swirl this dark amber whiskey in your glass (you do swirl it, right??) the viscosity isn't the most dramatic I've seen. However when you take a sip, you feel this luxurious swirl of oil from the sherry casks that is so sweet and leaves this light coat across your tongue that remains even after the warmth of the finish has ceased, a delicious reminder of the goodness you have just consumed.
When you first pour, the vapor is a bit intense and perhaps even a bit unapproachable. But when you let it sit and breath for a few minutes you will find that it has evolved and changed. And every time you go back for another sip its just a little different than before. The notes go from strong cinnamon to candied walnuts to butterscotch. On the back of my palate I could taste the slightest hint of smoke. Just enough to add an interesting layer without overwhelming me. The finish changes as well. The first sip felt as though I had a sip of fire, but as I finished my glass the roof of my mouth tingled and grew warm and a smooth slight glow cascaded down my throat and warmed my belly. Beautiful.
I thoroughly enjoyed my dram this evening. I enjoyed this neat and honestly wouldn't recommend ice or whiskey cubes because part of the enjoyment of this whisky is bearing witness to its evolution. Ice would only get in the way of that in my humble opinion.
Until next time, cheers!
Jenn aka Whiskey Girl
