The Auchentoshan 18 Oloroso is a distinguished single malt Scotch whisky, offering a unique taste profile that showcases the expertise of Auchentoshan Distillery. This whisky has garnered attention for its distinctive characteristics.

Maturation and Bottling

The Auchentoshan 18-year-old was bottled in 2015 as part of a limited “A” release. It has been aged for 18 years, primarily in bourbon oak casks, which contributes to its rich and complex flavour profile. The whisky has an alcohol strength of 43.0% Vol.

Tasting Notes

  • Nose: The Auchentoshan 18 Oloroso presents a cognac-like nose, sweet and oaky with notes of bitter chocolate, grapefruit, tangerines, and caramel. Another review describes the nose as slightly dusty, reminiscent of an old attic, with a mature scent of pine, cake mix, Weetabix, allspice, clove, and a polished oak quality.
  • Palate: The palate offers a profile that is salty with mild bitterness, featuring hints of spicy oak, grapefruit zest, chocolate, and green tea. Another evaluation suggests a sweet start that quickly moves into red fruit and blueberry juice, followed by a malty nuttiness. The palate is well-balanced and has good depth.
  • Finish: The finish is medium in length, dominated by bitter oakiness with hints of orange zest and chocolate. Another view is that the finish is reminiscent of a bran muffin.

Overall Impression

The Auchentoshan 18 Oloroso is a well-crafted whisky, showcasing the skillful blending and maturation techniques of the distillery. The combination of bourbon oak cask maturation followed by a period in Oloroso casks adds a unique dimension to the whisky. The diverse tasting notes from different reviewers highlight the complexity and depth of this whisky, making it a fascinating choice for whisky enthusiasts.

In conclusion, the Auchentoshan 18 Oloroso stands out for its unique flavour profile, combining traditional Scotch whisky characteristics with the rich, nutty, and fruity influences of Oloroso sherry cask finishing. Its complexity and balance make it a noteworthy and enjoyable whisky for both connoisseurs and new whisky enthusiasts alike​​​​.