Auchentoshan Valinch 2012 Release

Auchentoshan Valinch is bottled at Cask Strength. No peat is used. For the reviewed sample I thank @Robert99

Nose: intense medium pitched barley...and more barley; nice floral perfume. This is grassy with some light pear flavours. I assume no wine cask here, but this smells like there could be some light wine influence. There is minimal flavour from oak. This is simple and very good. Water added brings out high-pitched crystalline sugar and is very pleasant. Score: 22/25

Taste: even more intense in the mouth, with strong fruitiness of apple and pears. The grassy quality of barley is strong in the mouth. Water added increases sweetness which is desirable to add balance. I prefer this with water. Score: 21.5/25

Finish: moves toward the sour by the death, with some bitterness creeping in. Water gives slight improvement. Score: 19/25

Balance: very good balance in the nose, good balance on the delivery, only fair balance on the finish. Score 21.5/25

Total Sequential Score: 84 points

Strength: strong grain flavours throughout; minimal wood influence. Score: 22.5/25

Quality: very good flavours in the nose; good flavours thereafter. Score: 21.5/25

Variety: enough variety; this is simple whisky. Score: 21/25

Harmony: very good harmony in the nose, good harmony on the palate, fair harmony on the finish. Score: 20/25

Total Non-Sequential Score: 85 points

Comment: I like the intensity of Auchentoshan Valinch 2012. The 2011 Release was a little smoother and more harmonious than this one is, but this 2012 Valinch is pleasant enough, especially with a little water added. Try this with water

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