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Auchentoshan Select NAS
Whisky: Auchentoshan Select NAS, 40%
R350 ≈ £32
This is a duty-free expression from the only consistently triple-distilling Lowland distillery. The Select expression has been around for approximately 10 years, although since I have yet to try an older release prior to the new packaging, I can’t say if the whisky is the same. Judging by varying tasting notes I’ve read online, however, I suspect they aren’t.
Nose: A delicate, yet robust, and fragrant nose with a rich bouquet of flowers. Also a teasing sweetness of vanilla and green apples, but unfortunately a wee sting of spirit with further time and exploration.
Taste: The delicate nose is followed by a delicate palette with the sweetness continuing as vanilla sponge cake. Although this is a NAS the mouth feel is older than its years let on, with a cool creaminess and just enough depth to enjoy without conflicting with the spirit. A gentle spice creeps in inconspicuosly adding a sprinkle of cinnamon. Some maltiness and the faintest squeeze of lime.
Finish: Medium, butter and biscuits, with a waning heat.
My Score: 76
An altogether fresh and light dram that is an easily approachable, and drinkable, whisky offering good value for money. Would serve as a good introduction to newcomers. (Caution: I don’t recommend adding any water, the spirit doesn’t hold-up.)
Other Scores: JM’11 85
Glenkinchie 10yo
Whisky: Glenkinchie 10yo, 43% ABV
R550 ≈ £50
After being on the market for 20 years (an impressive duration) Diageo replaced this 10yo lowland with a 12yo expression in 2007.
Nose: Immediately malty. A bit thin, as if it has already been diluted. Faint grass, roasted cereals. Easy going, rather than shy. Spirity. The tiniest touch of vanilla.
Taste: Surprisingly tactile. Very drying. Malt remains, along with a malty sweetness. Almost oily. Bales of dry grass, and after some time sturdy spices appear, mainly ginger and cinnamon.
Finish: Spice. Butter and a burnt bitterness. Medium length. Satisfying.
My Score: 75/100
I think most would prefer the 12yo as it is smoother and more well-rounded, but not me. The 10yo has character that the 12yo is missing; it isn’t refined, but it’s reliable. Not all whiskies can be great, and in today’s times with everything faster, bigger, harder, its nice to find a whisky that revels in its mediocrity and is proud to be just good. I appreciate that. (Pity it’s no longer available.)
Other Scores: SV 78
Glenkinchie 12yo
Whisky: Glenkinchie 12, 43% ABV, 75cl
R450 ≈ £40.
This is the first lowland Sctoch malt being added to the blog (there are only 3 still in operation, see distillery list here.) The lowlands are known for their softer grassier malts, lets see what Glenkinchie has to offer.
Nose: A barn in winter. Straw, some dusty air, and the smell of dried, hardened soil. Not a bad nose, but too feint to make it good.
Taste: Light on the palate at first. Grass notes are there, as well as the straw. Easy to drink, almost golden in your mouth – crisp. Drying.
Finish: Lightness gives way to an intensity along with some ginger and a sprinkle of nutmeg.
My Score: 73/100
I find the difference between the palate and finish of this dram very interesting and much more pronounced than most whiskies. You can hold it in your mouth as long as you like and it will sit there soft, grass-like and patient. As soon as you swallow it though it changes direction immediately. I think if these two facets of the whisky were better integrated it would make for a better drink all round.
Scores: JM 09 = 66/100, MM = 64/100
