Auchentoshan 21 Year

I purchased this bottle from a friend who is trying to thin out his whisky collection. This “Limited Release A” bottle has been considered one of the best Lowland style whiskies in existence. It’s bottled at a rather uninspiring 43% and is deep gold in the Glencairn. It slowly formed skinny legs and left behind some tiny beads of water around the rim after a lengthy swirl and time in the glass. The nose is typical Auchentoshan: honey and florals and not much else. It was very mellow with little to no barrel presence, either. I did get a hint of oak spice if I inhaled deeply enough, but overall, this was a shallow breather. The palate was also extremely mellow, oaky, but smooth at first. Some light berries and vanilla were left lingering behind on the tongue. Overall, this was a pretty boring sipping experience. There is also no heat due to the low ABV. The finish was short, lightly warming as you exhale with a bit of wood tannins and well-worn leather closing things out. In total, this bottle was a bust. I must say, however, that I wrote most of my notes while sipping on the last dram from the bottle about a month after opening it. I don’t recall it being this boring initially- or even as I worked my way down. I simply drank through it almost as a daily dram and was content to just use it as such. I can’t imagine it being worth the current $135+ asking price, nor the discounted $100 I paid. It’s solid, unoffending whisky that can be found elsewhere for much cheaper. The only thing you could’ve done with this bottle was brag about the age statement if you poured some for uninitiated friends or colleagues. Search elsewhere for higher quality. 2.75-3 stars.

Un nez très caramel avec des notes distinctes de chocolat. On croirait presque du Sortilège. En bouche, c'est très léger mais très aromatique et finalement assez peu sucré. Une belle rondeur pour un Lowland très agréable. La finale est douce et légère, miam !