Slainte-Mhath
Auchentoshan 18 Year
Single Malt — Lowlands, Scotland
Reviewed
February 8, 2017 (edited September 8, 2024)
It is about time to return to the Lowlands, a whisky region often overlooked and underestimated by connoisseurs. Auchentoshan 18 is reminiscent of a flower garden with zesty citrus fruits, pipe tobacco and hints of green tea. Crème brûlée, milk chocolate and oak spices (nutmeg and cinnamon) unfold a complex aroma. Spicy and gingery in the arrival, the taste develops mildly bitter and grainy with notes of vanilla, brown sugar and roasted nuts. The finish is understated, cask-dominated and fades quickly. All in all, a sound but fairly overpriced single malt.
RATING: 3.5/5.0 stars ≙ 83 pts → ABOVE AVERAGE
70.0
EUR
per
Bottle
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After my recent re-review of Auchentoshan 12, I had to do a quick reality check on my rating on the 18-year-old. Sure, the slightly elevated ABV of 43% helps, but my previous score of 85 points was simply to generous. Hence, I adjusted the rating to 83 points.
Re-reviewed in 10/2019: Having tasted this Lowlander again, I must admit that my previous rating was a bit too generous. The nose is just beautiful and the taste pretty decent, but the finish fades too quickly to justify a 4-star rating. I wished that Auchentoshan was given a better presentation, but Beam Suntory seems to target the mass market, drinking their whisky from a tumbler with ice...