Auchentoshan Three Wood: a dark and sumptuous dram

Today, we're diving into the intriguing world of Auchentoshan and their Three Wood expression. It is a remarkable whisky that takes us on a sensory journey through three distinct cask influences (hence the name). Buckle up as we explore the nuances, history, and craftsmanship behind this unique triple-matured whisky. This is not a cheap whisky at around £45-50, at the time of writing, but neither is it a luxury whisky, sitting somewhere in the middle.

Bottle

The bottling of this whisky is a study in classic simplicity, designed for practicality rather than making a bold statement. Its unremarkable yet functional shape suggests a focus on easy handling in a bar setting, where its intended audience seems evident. Despite lacking the visual flair of some other bottle designs, the label is modern and eye-catching, yet small enough to ensure the whisky inside remains the primary focus. Notable is the subtle embossing near the base, a thoughtful touch that draws attention to one of Auchentoshan Distillery's distinctive features – the triple distillation process, unusual for Scottish whisky.

Colour

As you pour a dram of this delightful whisky, prepare to encounter one of the deepest and richest hues in the whisky spectrum. Spending the majority of its maturation - approximately 10 out of 12-14 years - in bourbon casks before finishing in Oloroso and Pedro Ximénez butts, the influence of these sherries undoubtedly contributes to the captivating colour of our beloved spirit. However, a hint of disappointment arises when you learn that caramel colouring is added to the final product, artificially enhancing its hue.

Nose - The aroma on this dram follows in the foot steps of the colour - unnatural, though it may be. Rich, warm smells recall hints of thick, dark jam - maybe blackcurrant.

Palate - The flavour, hinted at with the colour, leans towards maple syrup or even toffee. There is a more indulgent, rich flavour that comes through evoking dark chocolate and cherries.

Finish - A lingering finish that leaves a lasting impression on the palate. As the final notes of the tasting journey unfold, a gentle warmth persists. The echoes of dark fruits and subtle spiciness play harmoniously, providing a satisfying and balanced conclusion.

Overall

This whisky puts on a show of whisky craftsmanship, parading its triple maturation like a well-rehearsed routine. With the use of on par American bourbon barrels to the alluring Oloroso and Pedro Ximénez sherry butts, this expression attempts to dazzle with a symphony of flavours. Yet, beneath the inviting amber facade and the choreographed notes of toffee, dark chocolate, and dried fruit, there's a slight letdown in the form of artificial colouring, a theatrical touch to boost appearance. It's a dram that walks the line between celebration and skepticism, offering a taste of the expected and a dash of the unexpected. Slàinte, with a hint of skepticism!