@Slainte-Mhath The availability in Australia is very limited. Over the years I've tried everything that is available here, which is the American Oak, 12 Year, Classic, Three Wood, Heartwood and Blood Oak and none has impressed me in the slightest. Next time I'm overseas I'll keep an eye out for a taste of something more esoteric , but given the prices I see on MoM for those expressions I'm loath to spend big on an experiment. Still, you never know.

@cascode I asked Mark Dermul to recommend one Auchentoshan that is far above average, and this is what he came up with. Not cheap for sure, but I really like this malt. I do understand your disappointment with the official bottlings, but maybe you have the chance to taste an independent bottling or one of the distillery casks?

@cascode @LeeEvolved @Slainte-Mhath. Yeah I totally agree—-I think because of that lighter triple distillation, certain finishes work really well. It needs a strong cask like a good red wine or sherry.

@Slainte-Mhath Dermel is *the* Auchentoshan fanboi - I don't think anyone reviews their whiskies as frequently or thoroughly. This one certainly sounds interesting, but I'm always a bit reluctant about Auchentoshan, and it's not prejudice - I can honestly say I've simply never tasted one that was quite in my confort zone. There is a distillery character element like pine-wood resin that I've noticed in evey Auchentoshan I've tasted, however to be fair I've only tasted the standard OBs - nothing particularly esoteris or old.

@PBMichiganWolverine @LeeEvolved Auchentoshan can be superb, but the OB's suffer from marketing and presentation that could hardly be any worse. A lot of potential is wasted at the moment, but fortunately, there are many independent bottlings on the market.

I’m a closet Auchentoshan fan, for sure. I think their spirit really lends itself well to certain finishing cask. I wouldn’t seek them out for simple, ex-bourbon maturation but I think they work very well with some red wine and stronger sherry casks. This one sounds very interesting. Very nice review.

I am adding the link to the Toshan Man's review for those interested: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O203fHJiS5w

Additional comment: Bottled for the travel retail market in 2012, non-chill filtered but with added colorant E150a. Recommended by Belgian whisky aficionado Mark Dermul, known as the 'Toshan Man' on Youtube. To quote his resume: 'Not cheap, to be sure, but what a party! Bull’s eye Toshan.'

Totally agree on preconceived prejudices. I never thought much of Aucentoshan, but that changed when I had a single barrel 23 yr matured in sherry. Was amazing