We recently had a chance to taste the array of Scotch whiskys produced by Auchentoshan. One of just five distilleries in the Scottish Lowlands, Auchentoshan has been producing single malt Scotch for nearly 200 years. It’s the only distillery in all of Scotland that triple distills its product — using a wash, intermediate and spirit still — to create the “smoothest, most delicate tasting single malt Scotch whisky,” according to press materials. After sampling the Three Wood and Classic whiskys, we find it difficult to dispute the claim.
One of the allures of Auchentoshan is the multiple casks used for aging. Three Wood spends time in three different barrels (clever name, right?) before heading to the bottle — it begins in American oak, then moves through two different Spanish sherry casks. This process creates a complex set of flavors, with sherry hints that cut down and nearly eliminate the heavy smokiness usually characteristic of Scotch — a note that many find unpalatable. Three Wood actually drinks more like a bourbon than a Scottish single malt. Even so, it’s considered first-rate worldwide, having won a silver medal at the San Francisco World Spirit Awards in 2009.
Auchentoshan Classic, on the other hand, is a a smooth single malt straight from the book of Scottish tradition. Aged entirely in bourbon casks from America — which gives the spirit an opening hint of vanilla — it’s a pale yellow in color, the light blond most Scotch drinkers are familiar with. The finish has a pleasing smoke bite, tempered by floral notes.
Although those were the only two we tasted, the company also produces a single malt 12 Year, 18 Year and 21 Year whisky, available throughout the U.S. And if you happen to be attending next week’s Tales of the Cocktail in New Orleans, you can get a free hot shave (or hand massage) at Aidan Gill For Men on Thursday, July 26, courtesy of Auchentoshan and complete with sips of the classic spirit.
Have you ever dreamed of having an amazing home bar, filled with bottles you actually use and the tools you need to execute a fine crafted cocktail? E...read more ›
In this history segment, we take a closer look at a classic cocktail: The Boulevardier....read more ›
If you're a frequent Negroni drinker, always order Wild Turkey Bourbon in your old fashioneds, or prefer your ...read more ›
For this exciting installment of Behind the Bar, we had the incredible opportunity to sit down with Liana Oster, the head bartender at Dante in New Yo...read more ›
PBR has launched their own whiskey. Let's keep an open mind and see what is inside this bottle....read more ›
There's a new investigative series about one of the biggest scandals to ever hit the wine world....read more ›
Scientists may have discovered a more environmentally friendly way to make one of the world's most popular spi...read more ›
Negroni Week 2019 is June 24-30, so drink this classic cocktail for a good cause....read more ›
If you're taking an Uber, Lyft, or cab and feel unsafe, there are steps you can take to protect yourself....read more ›
This time on Behind the Bar, we spoke to Kat Corbo of The Study, who recently won Speed Rack 2019....read more ›
In a huge move for the American craft beer community, Boston Beer and Dogfish Head have agreed to a merger valued at $300 million dollars. ...read more ›
A new, high-end blend of Jack Daniel's whiskey, known as Jack Daniel's No. 27 Gold, which was previously only ...read more ›