Auchentoshan 12 years old Delicate and Layered Single Lowland Malt Scotch Whisky 70 cl 40%

Every single drop from Auchentoshan is distilled three times. Not some of it, not in special series, all of it. No other Scottish distillery does this consistently, and it is the whole reason the whisky is as bright as it is.

The Expert's Description

Auchentoshan 12 Years Old Double Cask is a Lowland Single Malt Scotch Whisky matured in bourbon and sherry casks and bottled at 40%. It combines the distillery’s characteristic triple distillation with maturation in two cask types.

The third distillation removes the heavier, oily compounds and collects only the lightest and purest part of the spirit. The result is a soft, bright and fruity malt with less body than a double distilled whisky, but with far more clarity in the fruit.

The Double Cask maturation adds depth and warmth without the whisky losing the light, silky style Auchentoshan is known for. The distillery sits at Dalmuir just outside Glasgow and was founded in 1823.

Tasting Notes

Nose

Vanilla and bright citrus first, with toasted nuts and a light honeyed sweetness behind. There is a fine clean malty floor, and the sherry casks give a suggestion of dried fruit without taking up room.

Palate

Soft and silky. Vanilla sweetness and citrus open, then nuts and a touch of spiced oak from the sherry portion. At 40% it drinks easily, and the triple distillation is clearly felt in the light texture.

Finish

Medium length. Vanilla, malt and a light nutty dryness that lets go cleanly without bitterness.

Specifications

Name: Auchentoshan 12 Years Old Double Cask Single Lowland Malt Scotch Whisky 40%
Distillery: Auchentoshan
Region/Country: Lowland, Scotland
Type: Lowland Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Age: 12 years
ABV: 40%
Size: 70 CL
Cask type: Bourbon casks and sherry casks
Distillation method: Triple distilled
Edition: Double Cask
EAN no.: 5010496001769

Flavour Profile

Soft · Fruity · Vanilla · Nutty · Light · Spiced

Did You Know?

Auchentoshan sits at Dalmuir on the Clyde, practically within the suburbs of Glasgow. The distillery was bombed during the Second World War when German aircraft targeted the shipyards along the river, and one of the warehouses burned. The story goes that the whisky ran down into a pond on the grounds. That pond is still there.

See our full range of Auchentoshan

Frequently Asked Questions about Auchentoshan 12 Years Old Double Cask Single Lowland Malt Scotch Whisky 40%

What does triple distillation mean?

That the spirit is run through the stills three times rather than the usual two. The third pass removes the heavier compounds and leaves a lighter, cleaner spirit with more clarity in the fruit and less oily body.

Is Auchentoshan the only distillery that does it?

The only Scottish distillery that distils everything three times, yes. Springbank makes Hazelburn on the same principle, and Glasgow Distillery runs triple distillation for part of the year, but at Auchentoshan it applies to the whole production.

What does Double Cask mean?

That the whisky has matured in two cask types, bourbon and sherry, which are brought together before bottling. The bourbon casks give vanilla and citrus, the sherry casks dried fruit and a little spice.

Is 40% too low?

It is the standard strength for many official bottlings. With a triple distilled whisky, already light in body, it is more noticeable than with a fuller malt. In return it is very easy to drink.

Is it a good place to start with single malt?

Yes, one of the best. There is no smoke, no heavy sherry and no sharp edges. To explore the region further, see our range of Lowland Whisky.

How is it best enjoyed?

Neat at room temperature. At 40% there is not much to open up with water, and ice will mute the citrus notes. If you want it cold, it works well in a Highball with soda and a twist of lemon peel.