Jose-Massu-Espinel
XOP Xtra Old Particular, 30yo Auchentoshan
Single Malt — Lowlands, Scotland
Reviewed
June 6, 2022 (edited June 7, 2022)
One of the beautiful things of Scotland, is that you can find super rare whiskies in a normal bar, for a very cheap price.
There is this place called "Tiger Lily" a dancing club, where i stepped in and i found my first Xtra Old Particular (XOP), which i believe is a single cask strength brand of independent bottlings by Douglas Laing. This time was an 30 year old Auchentoshan, bottled at 53.9%abv, distilled in december 1984 and bottled in february 2015.
On the nose, a powerful but wonderful lime note, with salty profiles. It has a Tequila impression overall; grapefruit; chocolate here is present but very dim. Tiramisu dessert.
On the palate, it is a little too rough for a 30yo. Vanilla, chocolate and Hazelnut. A second sip gave me a beautiful, refined super fancy chocolate note, that i was expecting from a 30yo lowland malt.
Aftertaste changes the rythm in a good way. Hay, mineral and rocky. Ginger bomb and very nutty/almondy.
Overall, this was a very good whisky. Maybe too good for a "discoteque". It was so clean and potent, that i could really review it even in the middle of loud music. I believe it lacks a little complexity, but it has a nice, balanced flavor and aroma profile. Solid whisky, my score for it is 88 over 100.
Create Account
or
Sign in
to comment on this review