Here we go again! Time to taste and review the next sample of the Diageo Special Releases 2016 series. This time it’s a whisky by a distillery Peter and I are both no experts in. Peter once had an independently bottled version and I’m quite sure I had a taste of that one too. We’re tasting the 25yo Auchroisk. I guess you might say we’re both “Auchrookies”.
The Auchroisk distillery was founded in 1974 at Mulben, Banffshire. It’s the most northerly distillery in the Speyside region. To ensure a steady supply of malt whisky for their blend, the distillery was built by Justerini & Brooks (J&B). It’s not often you get to see an official bottling of Auchroisk. Diageo released a 12yo distillery only “Flora & Fauna” edition, a 28yo 1974 Rare Malt edition at caskstrength, a 20yo Special Release in 2010 and a 30yo Special Release in 2012.
This edition was distilled in 1990 and matured in a mix of refill American oak hogsheads and refill European oak butts. A limited amount of 3954 bottles were filled and individually numbered. Bottled at caskstrength it has an ABV of 51,2%.
Again, Peter and I have both tasted this whisky and these are our thoughts:
Notes by Peter
- Nose: Vanilla, honey and a lot of citrus with a bit of smoke. Nice!
- Taste: Soft and smooth start and later spicy pepper. Sweetness of tropical fruits and some bitterness of citrus.
- Finish: Long, warm with orange peel.
Well balanced and a very nice dram!
Notes by Jeroen
- Nose: There’s some citrus fruit (oranges), peach and roasted almonds here. Some waxy notes too. A hint of toasted oak. Very nice!
- Taste: Creamy mouthfeel with a hint of spice (ginger). Again some oranges and an almond nuttiness. Nice balance between the spices and the fruits.
- Finish: I like the finish on this one. Warming and lasting.
In my opinion this is the best Special Release we’ve tasted so far!
Again we would like to thank Diageo for sending us this lovely sample!
