Whiskey Occidental: history, overview of taste and types + whether to buy
Ockentoshen differs from traditional Scotch whiskeys by the absence of pronounced peat notes in the bouquet.
The barley spirit produced at the distillery of the same name in Lowland is characterized by a special delicate taste, the secret of which lies in the triple distillation of the drink, which undoubtedly distinguishes Auchentoshan whiskey among similar products of the region.
The history of the Okentoshen brand
A small distillery appeared in the vicinity of Glasgow in 1823. Not much is known about the formation and early years of the company: the first owner was probably a Mr. Thorne. Perhaps he was a native of Ireland, which explains the use of triple distillation, which is unusual for Scottish distilleries.
The farm was located on a plain, in an open field, near the Old Kilpatrick Hills. The unusual location is reflected in the company's name: "Occidental" means "corner of the field" in Celtic.
The original whiskey took root among the local population and was highly appreciated by British aristocrats. In the XIX century, malt produced at the Auchentoshan distillery became quite popular.
The war years proved to be difficult for the farm: the warehouses were seriously damaged and production was severely affected. However, despite the difficulties, the company managed to recover and preserve the original taste of the drinks. In 1984, the distillery became part of Morrison Bowmore Distillers, and later, the Japanese concern Suntory.
Features of the production of Auchentoshan whiskey
Malt is made from selected brewing barley, dried, finely ground, wort is prepared and heated. Ockentoshen distillery is located on a plain, but water for mashing is extracted in the mountainous area, which favorably affects the taste of whiskey.
For the fermentation of wort, the farm uses oak barrels, which give the drinks softness.
The mash is distilled three times to produce a distillate of high strength (up to 81% by volume) and flavor. Triple distillation is time-consuming and expensive, but it provides whiskey with a unique flavor - delicate and smooth, not typical of traditional Scotch malt.
The distillate is aged in oak barrels for bourbon, sherry or wine. Each type of wood gives the drinks their own flavor shades. The minimum maturation period of Auchentoshan products is 3 years, in some cases, aging reaches several decades.
Overview of flavors and types of Occidental whiskey
American Oak
Bright golden whiskey aged in bourbon barrels. Aroma: vanilla, with notes of citrus zest. Taste: refreshing, lively, with hints of white peach and coconut. Aftertaste: crisp, bright, with accents of candied grapefruit and spices.
Three Wood
The titled drink was aged in three types of barrels: American bourbon and two types of Spanish sherry. Color: bronze-golden. The multifaceted bouquet is dominated by notes of iris and sherry, hints of black currant, citrus, raisins, plum and cinnamon are captured. Aftertaste: fruity and refreshing with notes of oak sweetness.
Bartender`s Malt
A complex whiskey that has absorbed the flavors of 5 different barrels. Color: golden copper with green reflections. Nose: dried apricots, milk chocolate, honey, young tobacco, cherry blossom, ginger, fresh pastries. Palate: spicy, savory, warming.
12 year Old, 18 year Old and 21 year Old
Exquisite single malt, aged for a long time in oak. The color of the drinks varies from honey-gold to bright copper. The bouquet of 12-year-old whiskey is dominated by accents of almonds, caramel, citrus and spices. Refreshing notes of green tea appear in the 18-year-old malt, and the ripest drink, which has spent more than 2 decades in barrels, plays with delicate shades of ripe gooseberries, honey, cream and vanilla.
Blood Oak
Original whiskey aged in bourbon and red wine barrels. This aging provides the drink with an unusual color - golden with bright crimson hues. The bouquet contains tones of spices, vanilla, ginger and red fruits: raspberries, currants, cherries, plums. Nose: bright, sweetish-spicy, with warming oak notes.
Heartwood
The combination of two types of wood - from American bourbon and Spanish sherry - led to the creation of a harmonious, multifaceted drink with a fruity-sweet bouquet. Aroma: fresh cappuccino. Color: dark honey. Aftertaste: long, rich, fruity, warm, fruity.
Noble Oak
24 years of aging in sherry and bourbon barrels distinguishes this noble malt. Main notes: oak, sherry, pine needles, grapefruit, ginger, caramel. Color: golden barley. Aroma: prunes, orange peel, forest herbs. Finish: peach and caramel with hints of oak.
Springwood
The drink, which matures in bourbon barrels made of North American wood, has a playful spring character. Color: soft golden. Aroma: vanilla and citrus. Taste: warm, lively, clean, with hints of spices and pink grapefruit.
How to drink Auchentoshan whiskey
Drink neat as an aperitif or digestif.
In cocktails, recipes of which are presented on the manufacturer's website, as well as in a duet with beer or ale.
Is it worth buying Auchentoshan whiskey?
The Russian consumer is not familiar with the rare Scotch whisky Occidental. Those who have tried the drink speak positively about it: "refined and light", "soft", "excellent whiskey for reasonable money", "a good drink", "excellent"...
The largest number of positive impressions refers to the line "American Oak". The original malt will appeal to lovers of delicate whiskey, without harsh peaty notes.
Those who prefer classic Scotch scotch may be disappointed. However, it is worth trying the product in any case to form your own opinion about it.
Update: 13.03.2019
Category: Whiskey and Bourbon