marcmoretti
Reviewed
October 26, 2024 (edited October 27, 2024)
Finally time to start cracking into some unopened bottles in the collection before my wife starts counting them.
Single malt showdown: Auchentoshan 12, Cragganmore 12 and Nikka Miyagikyo. All tasted in glen cairn glass and rested for about 30 minutes.
Let's Auch with the doc:
Nose: Fruity, cherries, raisins and a hint of smoke. When I first poured the nose was muddled but it's flipped completely to something very inviting.
Palate: Slightly oily, sweet and exactly what the nose was telling it would be. Stone fruits, a bit of sherry and a wisp of smoke to remind you that this is Scotch and not Irish.
Finish: Medium length and warm. Things really develop at this point from apple/pear to musty grapes. Dries up at the end.
I have to say, I kind of thought I would hate this when i first cracked the bottle, but letting it breathe a bit changed everything.
Guess I'll have to go to the Lowlands now too if I ever make it to the land of Robert the Bruce.
Final results of the showdown:
1st place: Miyagikyo
2nd place: Auchentoshan 12
3rd place: Cragganmore 12