Whisky Review/Tasting: Auchentoshan Select

Physical Whisky Characteristics

Origin: Auchentoshan Distillery, located on the north bank of the River Clyde, near Glasgow, Scotland.
Type: Lowland Single Malt Scotch Whisky.
Distillation: Triple distilled with a high ABV during production (up to 80%), resulting in a smooth raw whisky.
Maturation: Matured in selected oak casks, though specifics about the selection process or types of oak are not detailed.
Age Statement: No age statement (NAS) provided. The whisky is a blend of several casks of varying ages.
Color and Clarity: Not explicitly described, but the whisky is suspected to be artificially colored.
Bottle Design: Described as a huge and heavy liter bottle, suggesting a substantial and impressive presentation.

Balance of Flavors: Fruity and smooth with a delicate balance of vanilla, caramel, apples, pears, and a hint of citrus.
Unique Characteristics: Notably fruity with a subtle oakiness and the absence of sharpness despite its 40% ABV. The whisky is chill-filtered.
Comparison: No direct comparisons made, but the flavor profile suggests a typical Lowland single malt character with a focus on fruitiness and smoothness.

Distillery History: Auchentoshan was founded in 1823, with its location chosen for its proximity to Glasgow and the River Clyde, a crucial area for the British commercial marine industry.
Production Insights: The triple distillation process and the high ABV during production are highlighted as contributing factors to the whisky's smoothness.

Historical Context: The distillery's location on the north bank of the River Clyde places it within the Lowlands, a region where distillation was legal (as opposed to the Highlands) following the tax line established before 1824.
Geographical Landmarks: The distillery is near the Erskine Bridge, a notable landmark for travelers heading into the Scottish islands from Glasgow.

Horst Luening, the master taster, expresses skepticism about the marketing term "selected oak casks" and suspects it might be a marketing blur.
Luening appreciates the whisky's substantial bottle design, considering it a good value for gifting.
He notes the absence of green apples in the flavor profile, despite the description on the bottle, and provides a detailed analysis of the whisky's mature yet fruity character.

Auchentoshan Select is a Lowland single malt Scotch whisky, triple distilled and matured in selected oak casks without an age statement.
The whisky presents a fruity and smooth flavor profile with notes of vanilla, caramel, apples, pears, and a hint of citrus, alongside a subtle oakiness.
The distillery's historical and geographical context adds to the whisky's identity, with its legal distillation status in the Lowlands and proximity to Glasgow and the River Clyde.
Expert opinions highlight the whisky's presentation, flavor profile, and the marketing aspects of its maturation process.

For Beginners: The Auchentoshan Select's smooth and fruity profile makes it an excellent introduction to Lowland Scotch whiskies.
For Scotch Enthusiasts: Those interested in exploring the nuances of triple-distilled whiskies and the impact of non-specific oak maturation might find this whisky intriguing.
For Collectors: The substantial bottle design and the distillery's historical significance could make Auchentoshan Select a noteworthy addition to a collection, especially for those interested in Lowland whiskies.