Auchroisk 2007/2016 James Eadie 8 years old Single Speyside Malt Scotch Whisky 70 cl 46%

Four first fill bourbon casks and eight years. It is a young whisky, but the casks are fresh, and that makes a bigger difference than the age statement suggests.

The Expert's Description

Auchroisk 2007/2016 James Eadie 8 Years Old is a Single Speyside Malt Scotch Whisky matured in four first fill bourbon casks and bottled at 46%. The release gave 1,444 bottles and is neither chill filtered nor coloured.

First fill bourbon casks work quickly. They give the most vanilla, coconut and bright fruit in their first round with Scotch whisky, which is why eight years here reaches further than eight years in a refill cask would have done.

James Eadie was a Victorian blender from Burton upon Trent whose brand was revived by his great-great-grandson Rupert Patrick in 2015. The house bottles single casks and small batches, and this combination of four casks is a typical example of their approach.

Tasting Notes

Nose

Fresh and bright. Vanilla, apple and pear first, then coconut and a light pastry note. The cereal character is still clear, as it should be in a young malt.

Palate

Soft and fruity. Vanilla and bright fruit open, then citrus, white pepper and a light oak note arrive. At 46% there is more body than in a standard bottling, and the absence of chill filtration shows in the mouthfeel.

Finish

Medium and fresh. Vanilla, apple and a lightly spiced close that lets go cleanly.

Specifications

Name: Auchroisk 2007/2016 James Eadie 8 Years Old Single Speyside Malt Scotch Whisky 46%
Distillery: Auchroisk
Bottler: James Eadie
Region/Country: Speyside, Scotland
Type: Single Speyside Malt Scotch Whisky
Age: 8 years
ABV: 46%
Size: 70 CL
Cask type: Four first fill bourbon casks
Non-chill filtered: Yes
Natural colour: Yes
Distilled: 2007
Bottled: 2016
Number of bottles: 1.444

Flavour Profile

Fruity · Vanilla · Fresh · Coconut · Citrus · Lightly Spiced

Did You Know?

James Eadie was a Victorian blender from Burton upon Trent who built his business on whisky and on owning public houses. The brand lay dormant for decades until his great-great-grandson Rupert Patrick revived it in 2015 and began bottling single casks under the original name.

See our full range of Auchroisk

Frequently Asked Questions about Auchroisk 2007/2016 James Eadie 8 Years Old Single Speyside Malt Scotch Whisky 46%

What does first fill mean?

That the cask is used for the first time for Scotch whisky after its original contents, here bourbon. First fill casks give the most vanilla, coconut and colour, because the wood still has its full strength left.

Is eight years too young?

Not necessarily. Age matters less than cask quality, and four first fill bourbon casks give more character in eight years than refill casks would give in fifteen. It is a fresh style rather than a deep one.

Why four casks and not one?

Because combining several casks can reach a more balanced profile than a single cask would give. It is still a small batch, 1,444 bottles, not a standard production run.

What does 46% mean?

It is a strength many independent bottlers use, because the whisky can be bottled without chill filtration at that strength. Below around 46% it could turn hazy, and most then filter.

What characterises Auchroisk?

A bright, citrus-driven and lightly spiced Speyside style. The distillery was built in 1974 to supply the J&B blend, and official bottlings are rare. See our full range of Speyside Whisky.

Does it work as an everyday whisky?

Yes. It is fresh, fruity and free of smoke or heavy sherry, and at 46% it can be drunk neat without demanding time. It works well both on its own and alongside a simple meal.