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