Tuesday, April 23, 2013

A seductive whisky for a first introduction to the whisky world



Auchentoshan distillery is the nearest distillery from Glasgow. 
Auchentoshan whiskies are produced in the Lowlands traditional style meaning that they are elaborated through a triple distillation such as Irish whiskey: Wash still/low wines still/spirit still. This is the only Scottish distillery to permanently do this and It is well explained on their own website: http://www.auchentoshan.com/triple-distillation-(our-way)/triple-distillation.aspx
This triple distillation allows to obtain pure and soft distillate which reach 80% of alcohol, which is not common in Scotland (≈ 70%). Those whiskies are renowned to be light, smooth and delicate.

For several weeks, I had a mission to find a whisky that can be appreciated by some of my female friends which usually define whiskies as too strong aged alcohols. To resolve it, I chose an easy-to-drink whisky and we tasted together an Auchentoshan 12 years old.
They changed their mind, new people to share spirit experience with. Mission accomplished!

The same experience can be reproduced with a Glenkichie 12 years old to introduce non-amateur to the fabulous world of whiskies. They are two entry-level whiskies for new whisky amateur.
Tasting notes

Colour: Gold/amber
Nose: Light. Citrus and apple (cider) notes. Caramel, toasted almonds.
Palate: Light and smooth. Floral. Citrus fruits: Orange zest/lemon. Spicy: Cloves, cinnamon, vanilla and ginger taste. Honey, caramel notes. Bourbon and Sherry mark.
Finish: Medium and dry. Spiced and barley malted notes. Slightly bitter tasting (dark chocolate)
ABV: 40%

Slainte!

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