Auchentoshan Single Malt Scotch Whisky Launches the Longest Ever Wine Finish in the Industry

For my review please see below, but first, let’s catch up with some of the PR info that relates to this release…

This 25 year old limited release of 1,800 bottles brings together the best of American oak and French oak. It was initially matured for eight years in North American bourbon casks followed by an exceptionally long finish of 17 years in first fill wine barriques from Bordeaux, making it the longest Auchentoshan has ever been finished, and the longest wine finish in the industry.

The 1988 Wine Cask Finish has already been recognised for its excellence in the industry, being awarded Silver Outstanding in the 2014 International Wine & Spirit Competition.

Available from specially selected retailers at £275 / ABV: 47.6%

Right… on to my review…

Auchentoshan 1988 Wine Cask Finish – 47.6% ABV

Colour: Rich autumnal dark golden to deep red with rusty tints.
Nose: Quite an old nose with plenty of oak wood notes. It’s packed with deep autumn fruit berries, and a fair amount of smoke from the cask char. At the back is a dollop of creamy butter. Earthy hints of ginger and cinnamon.
Palate: The palate, although slightly spicy, introduces fairly smoothly; there’s quite an upfront oaky sap which leads instantly into a squashed red fruit tone. It’s thick and robust on your palate. The smoky character from the cask char gives a background note that is carried throughout the whole thing. It’s gently sweet although not too much, enough to make it enjoyable but not overbearing.
Finish: Warming all over your stomach, gentle and luscious. It’s long, leaving blackcurrant and redcurrant tones in your mouth for a long time, all backed up by barley sweetness. Fairly dry finish.
Thoughts: I’ve tried many Auchentoshan’s over the years, some I like more than others, but this dram is one of the best I’ve tried so far. It’s so full of character that it could at first be mistaken for something other than an Auchentoshan.

Thanks to Auchentoshan for the generous sample.