A new whisky aged only in first-fill ex-bourbon casks has been added to the core range for single malt scotch Auchentoshan.
Auchentoshan American Oak gains spice, vanilla cream and zesty fruity flavours from the triple-distilled whisky being matured in casks made from 100-year-old trees in North America.
Previously used to age bourbon, the barrels bring an overall smooth hit of vanilla cream, coconut and white peach to taste. Its ABV is 40%.
The smooth whisky is recommended for serving neat, on the rocks or mixed in a cocktail such as the Auchen-ito cocktail, created by bartender Marco Caimi from Paramount in London.
Auchen-ito by Marco Caimi
50ml American Oak Auchentoshan
25ml Lemon juice
15ml Homemade vanilla sugar
8 leaves of mint
Build and churn with crushed ice. Garnish with lemon zest and vanilla.
American Oak joins the Auchentoshan core range of Auchentoshan 12 Years Old and Auchentoshan Three Wood.
Auchentoshan has also launched its second limited-edition Auchentoshan Virgin Oak expression which challenges the convention that scotch must be matured in ex-bourbon or ex-sherry casks.
Since 2000, Auchentoshan has placed small batches of its whisky in virgin North American oak casks with charred surfaces that have been untouched by whiskey or sherry.
Maturation in the virgin oak produces a whisky with a deep sienna orange colour and notes including honeyed nougat, toasted vanilla, spiced orange and maple syrup. Its ABV is 46%.
Auchentoshan master blender Rachel Barrie said: “Our second batch of Auchentoshan Virgin Oak has absorbed even more sweetness and spice from the charred American oak casks, allowing our triple-distilled spirit to be brought alive.
“The crackle of oak sets off millions of flavour explosions with fizzing spices, popping fruit candy and smooth nougat. A funfair on the tongue!”
On the nose, the Auchentoshan Virgin Oak brings notes of marzipan and honeyed nougat, toasted vanilla, caramel and cotton candy. On the palate, it is smooth and deep with caramel, chocolate cream, spiced orange and maple syrup. It has a warm finish withbourbon vanilla, maple candy and sweet molasses.
