1996 Auchroisk - 25 yr. - Signatory - 48.5%
Quickly becoming a fan of Auchroisk bottlings - fruit forward, bold, dynamic structures. The distillery was built in 1972 to support the blends for J&B. This bottling was finished for almost 5 years in a fresh sherry butt which is interesting considering the history of the brand.
From scotchwhisky.com: Auchroisk was first bottled as single malt in 1986 and was the first to carry the prefix ‘Singleton’, a name now attached to single malts from Glen Ord, Glendullan and Dufftown. Although highly regarded by writers and judges in its time, it never quite made the leap from cult to major brand. Interestingly, the maturation process involved decanting 10-year-old ex-Bourbon matured whisky into ex-Sherry casks for a further two years of secondary maturation, making it the first example of finishing, but IDV never thought of talking up the process, leaving Balvenie and Glenmorangie to be regarded as the pioneers of the technique. The brand was dropped in 2001 and has subsequently quietly slipped back into the shadows.
Notes: Super layered on the nose with bright and oxidized notes. Orchard fruit - apples, pears. Peanut brittle. Dried sugars and dark fruits. On the palate, the structure is very soft, full, and slow but retains clarity. Pear, apple, marshmallow, apple skin. There's some savory spice adding to the structural lift along with the apple skin. Fruit rebounds bright in the finish; the peanut brittle returns, closing the loop from the nose.
Score: 8 (Stash One) Really excellent touch with the sherry influence. The malt driven notes remain forward. The sherry influence (peanut brittle) is well-defined and unique. All of this plays well in a softer and more refined structure than I've experienced with other Auchroisk bottles.
Rating System
10 - Reevaluate The Budget
9 - Stash Two (If Able)
8 - Stash One (At The Right Price)
7 - Highly Recommend It To Strangers
6 - Solid - Above Average
5 - Acceptable For The Situation
4 - Not Vocally Complaining
3 - Anything Else To Drink?
2 - Nothing Nice To Say
1 - Drain Pour