Auchentoshan® Single Malt Lowland Scotch Whisky known for triple distilling every single drop, introduces Auchentoshan® American Oak. Releasing flavor layers of vanilla, caramelized sugars, coconut and oak spices, Auchentoshan American Oak is the first ever Auchentoshan to be matured exclusively in first fill ex bourbon casks. The name harkens to the 100 year old oak trees (of the Quercus alba species) grown in the North American mountains which become bourbon casks that will eventually age Auchentoshan Scotch Whisky’s newest expression. Auchentoshan American Oak will become a permanent member of the core Auchentoshan portfolio, which includes 12 Years Old and Three Wood. Auchentoshan American Oak is available nationwide with a suggested retail price of $39.99/750ml.
Auchentoshan is Always Triple Distilled
Auchentoshan prides itself in its unique tradition of triple distilling every single drop. This means that the spirit produced reaches 81.5% alcohol by volume, significantly higher than most single malt whisky distilleries in Scotland. The lightness of the liquid enables it to more readily absorb every characteristic it is exposed to in the cask.
American Oak Maturation
Auchentoshan creates a smooth and complex spirit that ages beautifully in first fill ex-bourbon casks. The North American oak barrels used for American Oak maturation are first seasoned with American bourbon whiskey, which serves to remove the harsher bitter oak tannins and break down the oak to re lease even more vanilla, coconut and silky maturation oils.
Judicious Cask Selection
The maturing Auchentoshan spirit is regularly sampled by Rachel Barrie, Auchentoshan Master Blender, drawing hundreds of samples from different positions in the warehouse. Auchentoshan has found that higher positions in the warehouse promote more spice and intense bourbon vanilla extraction from the oak, whereas casks matured nearer ground level promote softer peach and citrus fruit top notes and silky coconut. Barrie hand selects the casks that are then married together for several months to achieve a multi-layered balance of vanilla sweetness, clean citrus scent and a refreshingly smooth taste. With a nod to its triple distillation and American oak maturation, Auchentoshan American Oak presents several cocktails where American Oak can be used as a delicious substitute:
Make it a Triple | Riff on a cocktail that is typically made with Irish whiskey, Auchentoshan American Oak works well because of its triple distillation.
1 oz. Auchentoshan® American Oak Single Malt Scotch Whisky
.25 oz. Lillet® Vermouth
.25 oz. Pierre Ferrand® Dry Curacao
2 Dashes Orange Bitters
Stir all ingredients together and strain into a coupe glass. Garnish with lemon peel.
Photo credit: Daniel Silbert
Seelbach | A pre-prohibition cocktail famously made with bourbon, Auchentoshan American Oak works well here because of its bourbon barrel maturation.
1 oz. Auchentoshan® American Oak Single Malt Scotch Whisky
.25 oz. Pierre Ferrand® Dry Curacao
7 dashes Angostura® Bitters
7 dashes Peychaud’s® Bitters
.25 oz. Champagne
Stir ingredients over ice, strain into a chilled flute, top with Champagne and lemon twist garnish.
Photo credit: Tara Eshgi
Triple A Punch | Punch created by Julieta Campos of The Berkshire Room, Chicago.
1 oz. Auchentoshan® American Oak Single Malt Scotch Whisky
.25 oz. Ginger Syrup
.5 oz. Lemon Juice
.25 oz. Apricot Liqueur
.25 oz. Aperol® Aperitif
Serve in tumbler/punch cup. Top with a few Maldon® salt flakes.
Photo credit: Tara Eshghi
TASTING NOTES: Auchentoshan American Oak Single Malt Scotch Whisky, 40% ABV
To the eye: Bright gold.
To the nose: Bourbon vanilla and coconut with layers of zesty citrus fruit.
To the tongue: Refreshingly smooth yet lively with vanilla cream, coconut and white peach.
To the end: Crisp, with sugared grapefruit and a hint of spice.
