The Auchentoshan Distillery was founded in 1800 and is located just north of Glascow, Scotland. It is one of only three active distilleries that remains in the Lowlands region, with Bladnoch and Glenkinchie being the others.
Auchentoshan features a line of single malt whiskies aged 10 to 21 years, plus no age statement offerings that include its Classic, Three Wood and Select options. Auchentoshan’s Three Wood is a triple distilled scotch whisky matured in American bourbon oak barrels and finished in Spanish Oloroso and Pedro Ximenez sherry casks.
On the Nose
On the nose the different casks come into play, with the clear presence of sherry and some underlying notes from the American oak. The Three Wood reveals malt and dried fruits, plus a hint of zesty orange and some vanilla.
The Taste
Drank neat, you’ll find lots of sherry oak, with toffee, malt and a bit of acidity. The finish is long and gentle, with plenty of fruit and some oaky sweetness.
Mixing
While certain scotch cocktails like the Rusty Nail or Rob Roy certainly have their place, I usually drink my scotch neat. But adding a couple ice cubes or a dash of water can really open up the spirit, either reinforcing flavors or introducing new ones to the mix. With a bit of water, the Three Wood maintained roughly the same flavor profile, but its sherry oak flavors were softer and more subdued, while more sweet vanilla came to the front.
Overall
Auchentoshan Three Wood is a complex malt with lots of depth that derives much of its flavor and aroma from the sherry oak casks in which it finishes its maturation. Fans of scotch and sherry alike should give this spirit a look, and though it’s certainly not a starter scotch, it’s a good foray into whiskies with sherry/port/Madeira finishes.
Stats
– 43% ABV
– $55
CE Rating: ★★★★
