Auchentoshan 18 Year

Easy until the back of your mouth. Big stick. People like it.

Spiced toffee on the nose. Oaky and a medium finish.

There's a bit of peat on the nose, but nothing overwhelming. The first taste brings a bit of heat that fades slowly to a nutty finish...

Very smooth with a palate full of soft notes. It’s easy to mistake this for a “weak” 18 year, but if you give it time and appreciate the flavour profile this is a fine dram. Not to mention it is of great value! I don’t typically mention price up front but felt compelled given this one ($129 CAD at LCBO, that is considerably less than almost all of the age statement segment). On the nose; chocolate and mint at first, subtle but hints of complexity drawing me in. A deeper pull bring a warm green tea essence with some pear and cinnamon. The nose is particularly polite, nothing in your face, both delicate and balanced. On the plate; green tea make a stronger presence here, milk chocolate follows with some cinnamon and spice. On its way down the cinnamon and green tea remain. Exhaling after brings back the chocolate to your nose. The finish is smooth and medium short. Green tea and cinnamon lasting afterwards. Compared to other at the same age statement, this is not a complex bottle, nor does it make its age known or easy to detect. However if you like your scotch to be more soft and light? this is a great bottle. Similar to that of the 12th, it’s a great smooth sipper - but has much more soft and delicate notes.

Bourbon. Honey. Expected smoothness with an Auchentoshan. Doesn’t compare to the 21, that’s for sure. But it’s better than the 12.

Sweet nose, sharp, spicy palate, hot on the throat. Not too complex, late aftertaste of caramel or toffee, really hot. Add a drop of water to take the edge.

Cider flavor with a cinnamon finish

A boozy breakfast of a nutty, honey cereal and rye toast with browned butter.