Auchentoshan is pronounced “ock-en-TOSH-en”, and it’s got a trick up its sleeve. Most Scotch is distilled twice. Auchentoshan is distilled three times, which is how Irish whiskey is made too. In theory, that gives a lighter, smoother spirit.
That “smooth” word is one I like, so let’s see if the claim stands up.
The triple distilled one
Auchentoshan is at Dalmuir, just outside Glasgow, at the foot of the Kilpatrick Hills. It was founded in 1823, and is now owned by Beam Suntory. It’s one of the very few Scottish distilleries to run all of its production through three stills. The water comes from Loch Katrine in the Trossachs.
Triple distillation strips more of the heavier oils out, and what’s left is a light, clean spirit. The 12 Year Old is matured in a mix of ex-bourbon and Oloroso sherry casks and bottled at 40%.
Smooth, but is that enough?
Smooth is the quality I tend to look for. It’s the main reason I like Jameson, which is also triple distilled. So I’d expect Auchentoshan to be near the top of my list. The question is whether the whisky has enough going on to be worth a sip, or whether smoothness is all it has.
In the glass
I tried this neat and expected something like Jameson, because it’s also triple distilled. It’s closer than I thought it would be.
Nose: Citrus and vanilla, with a bit of light fruit. It smells soft and clean, with a slightly creamy note. No smoke.
Palate: Smooth and creamy. There’s a gentle sweetness, a little nutty note and some vanilla. It’s very easy to drink, and that smoothness is exactly what I look for. It doesn’t have a lot of depth, but it doesn’t need it.
Finish: Short to medium. Soft and slightly dry, with a little nuttiness left behind. I tried it with a bit of ice, and it worked well that way too.
The rest of the range
The 12 is the main bottle. The American Oak is the cheaper no-age-statement entry. The Three Wood is richer, using three types of cask. The 18 and 21 are older, and more expensive. If you like the 12, the Three Wood is the obvious step. If you’re not sure, the American Oak will let you test the triple-distilled style for a lower price.
Similar bottles
In the Irish world, Jameson and Redbreast 12 are triple distilled too, which is one way to compare. Within Scotland, Glenkinchie 12 is the other well-known Lowland malt, and it’s drier and more grassy. Glenmorangie 10 is light too, though it gets there through tall stills rather than triple distillation.
Value
A 70 cl bottle usually costs about £38 in the UK. For a 12-year-old triple distilled single malt that’s good value.
It’s often priced a little lower than comparable Speyside 12-year-olds, which can make it good value. Look at what it costs near you, and compare it with Glenkinchie 12 and Glenmorangie 10.
Who it is for
It’s for people who like their whisky smooth and gentle, and for those moving over from Irish whiskey. If you want depth, weight or character, there are better matches.
Side by side with the Jameson
I poured a glass of Jameson and a glass of this next to each other, which is the test I’d been looking forward to. They’re closer than I expected. Both are smooth, both are a little sweet and neither has any edge. The Auchentoshan is a bit drier and has a nuttier note, and the Jameson is a bit rounder and more vanilla.
If I’m honest, I could drink either on a regular basis. The Auchentoshan has a touch more character, and that’s the main reason to pay the extra.
How I’d drink it
Neat is best. A splash of water takes away a bit of the creaminess, and ice makes it very mild. It’s a good whisky to have in the cupboard when someone says they don’t like whisky. I’d also happily have it with a meal, since it doesn’t fight the food. A gentle, friendly bottle.
One more thing I like about it is how comfortable it is. It never feels like a project. You pour it, you drink it, and you enjoy it. At £38 that’s a great combination, and I’d say it’s among the best entry-level single malts for people who like Irish whiskey.
Verdict
Yes. It’s smooth, easy and priced well. If you like Jameson, this is the single malt to try.
Citrus, vanilla and light fruit
Smooth and creamy, light sweetness and some nuts
Short to medium, soft and slightly dry
Smooth and creamy, with a Jameson-like ease. Good value.
Thomas Grønvold is the founder of Caskable and a whisky enthusiast who believes the best way to learn about whisky is simply to drink it, compare it, and stay curious. From supermarket favourites to bottles from distilleries around the world, he writes about what he actually tastes and experiences, without pretending you need to be an expert to enjoy a good dram.
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