Tasting Notes: Auchentoshan: Three Wood

Auchentoshan: Three Wood (Scottish Lowland Single Malt Whisky: No Age Statement: 43% ABV)

Visual: A lovely rich mahogany and syrup colour.

Viscosity:  Quite fast thin streaks.

Nose:  Blueberry and fruitcake. Raspberries. Pencil shavings, honey and pineapple chunks.  Light oak. Slight treacle. Light smoke

Body:  Blueberry, golden syrup. Vanilla. Barley. Sherry. Light treacle. Very thick texture. Light summery floral.

Finish: Light charring, planed wood. Malt drinks. Slight chocolate. Slight spirit air. Ritz crackers.

Conclusion: I’ve got used to lowland whiskies having quite a light texture, so the thick feel of this whisky came as a complete shock.  A’bunadh was called to mind (though it’s not quite that heavy), though there is no way you would guess this upcoming surprise from the light and fruity nose.

That not a criticism by the way, the light blueberry that initially greets you is unusual, unexpected and a very refreshing entry into this unusual and fun whisky.

There’s a good chunk going on, its range is not the highest, but each element is very distinct and different. It does a have of a lot of contrast with the elements it does have and that makes it very interesting and keeps you watching for what’s coming next.

A flavoursome set of elements and a thick whisky that feels like cask strength in texture but not in alcohol burn making it an easy going drinkable drink.

From this whisky I’ve gained a whole new respect for the distillery.,

Background: I will admit usually lowland whisky and I don’t get along too well, and the previous Auchentoshan was considered ok but not great.  Offsetting that is this whisky has been aged in bourbon, which is then finished in Oloroso or Pedro Ximenez casks and I am a sucker for odd finish whiskys.