There
is no doubt that the single malts of Islay and
the Speyside are the best-known, most sought-after and most-preferred by our
malt whisky aficionados. Add the words
‘cask strength’ and an indication of extreme age, and you have an unbeatable
formula for a most desirable whisky.
However, the true single malt whisky lover delights in the multitude of
different styles and myriad of flavours and nuances that each distillery
makes. And the variables from different
regions are to be admired and savoured.
The
Lowlands has never had the attention or glamour of the other whisky regions of Scotland, yet
the style of the single malts is undeniably classic and definitive. Easily dismissed as being whiskies that are
lacking in character, it takes an open mind and experienced palate to
appreciate lightness, delicacy and subtlety, the hallmarks of the best Lowlands whiskies.
Auchentoshen (pronounced “Och’n’tosh’n”), situated just outside Glasgow, is the benchmark,
and its triple distillation contributes to its finesse. Peatiness and seaside brine characters are
not to be seen. Rather, beautiful
florals and citrus notes, grass, soft heather and toasted hazelnuts come
through. Auchentoshan is simultaneously richly
soothing and intriguingly refreshing.
The 12 y.o. bottling is the perfect single malt for the warmer spring
and summer months.