We hear a lot about Diageo Special Releases 2012, most of all about Port Ellen, Brora, Talisker and Lagavulin… Due to the fact that we stop miles away from these, we’ll settle for the Auchroisk 30 yo, 2976 bottles priced in a more human way. The distillery, located in the Speyside, has no visitor centre, but it’s a wonderful place. It’s rather young (opened in 1975) and it hosts one of the biggest Diageo warehouses. Usually it doesn’t produce single malt: we can remember a Singleton of Auchroisk, a Flora and Fauna edition, a Manager’s Choice and a 2010 Special Release. Not many, as you can see. This 30 yo is the oldest Auchroisk never bottled, matured in refill-sherry and bourbon casks. Let’s test whether it is worth waiting so much. Color: copper.
N: the sherry profile wins, with the bourbon/vanilla notes still detectable but sacrificed. We find candied orange, dried apricot, flavored pipe tobacco, milk chocolate, sultanas, Panettone, candied ginger… This list of suggestions may suggest a creamy Christmas whisky. Actually, it’s sharp, almost dry, with hints of aromatic herbs (absinth?), mint and tea (without sugar). Interesting and not common at all. With water, it becomes more vanilla-oriented and woody, without losing its particular profile.
P: very peculiar again: it’s austere and rich at the same time. Aromatic and bitter herbs, candied orange and ginger; red fruits and orange juice. It’s delicious, unique, with surprising spicy notes of cigar, Campari and trifle. Natural caramel. The water rounds it and makes it sweeter.
F: licorice and coconut accompanying the slow fade away of the malt.
Consistent and really pleasant. It shows a decent complexity and it’s quite enjoyable even without water, despite its severe profile. An interesting whisky, intriguing and satisfying. Probably it’s not a star as other Special Releases, but it worth tasting, indeed: 88/100. Ruben thinks this way.
Recommended soundtrack: The Alan Parson’s Project – I wouldn’t want to be like you.
