Auchentoshan 1998 Fino Sherry Cask

This limited edition Auchentoshan (6000 bottles) was distilled in 1998 and matured in European oak fino sherry casks, then bottled in 2010. This whisky is cask strength and non-chill-filtered.

The colour is a light copper. On the nose, very citrusy with a lemon/lime burst, accompanied by something medicinal (perhaps due to the high ABV). Lots of honey, too. Sweet and floral, with the slightest hint of sherry. Water brings out more fruit, and a nutty element. Very different than other bottles from this distillery.

On the palate, a little more sherry quality but a little fuzzy. Peaches, melons, and a wee bit of peat, methinks. But something slightly sulphurous is putting me off a bit; still, very fresh and fruity, and brightens up with water.

The finish is fairly long, with depth and a lot more fruit (honeydew melon, banana, papaya). However, not an entirely successful whisky. I have a feeling the casks may not have been that great, perhaps a little sulphurous or over-used; 11-12 years in fino sherry should taste a lot better. Winner of Best Lowland Single Malt at the 2011 World Whiskies Awards, but the Valinch is a far better cask strength Auchentoshan - seek it out.

Nose: Sherry or not , this one is fragrant with quite some orange peel, cereals and woody sawdust. Vanilla and honey. Fresh is the word. Palate: much sweeter than the nose. Creamy Sweet dough, dry wine , big fino and butterscotch. Dried fruits enter the party, but not heavy dried fruits. On the second wave a bit of zest is back. Finish: dried fruit. Dough , wood and cocoa.

Bottom line Interesting. Lovely mouth feel and thick without being too heavy on the sherry. Not ultra complex, but enjoyable and mouth coating, with a good strength and body at this high %ABV. A very nice, after dinner dram. Still available in some online stores (TWE for example at ~ £40). At that price you can get better drams, but considering it’s bottled at 54,6%,it’s a fairly good deal in my opinion.

After the success of the Auchentoshan Festival in 2009, Head Distiller Jeremy Stephens selected several sherry casks from 1998 and filled the first 200 numbered bottles for the 2010 Festival. Every bottle has a certificate and is individually numbered (my bottle is 160/200). They were sold at the festival for £50.

The nose is clean and firm with quite a bit of orange peel and butterscotch, but also nuts (almonds), honey and a hint of bitterness.

On the palate, he's quite creamy and thoroughly spiced. The butterscotch immediately gets overpowered by the sherry tones, but soon the typical citrusy character of Auchentoshan returns. There is even a hint of pineapple. Adding a little water makes it even more creamy.

The finish is medium long on citrus and green apples.

After the festival, another 3.000 bottles were released. With good reason, for this is a very nice Auchentoshan indeed.