A 25-year-old whisky that has been finished for 17 years in wine barrels has been released by Scottish distillery Auchentoshan.
The limited-edition 1988 Wine Cask Finish was initially matured for eight years in North American ex-bourbon casks followed by the exceptionally long finish in first-fill wine barriques from Bordeaux.
It makes it the longest-ever finish for Auchentoshan and the longest wine cask finish in the industry. Only 1,800 bottles have been produced, at 47.6% ABV, recommended for sale in retail at £275.
Auchentoshan master blender Rachel Barrie said: “The story began by nurturing our pure Auchentoshan spirit for eight years in the softness of American oak. Over the next 17 years, our sweet Auchentoshan ventured into the bold passionate world of French Bordeaux.
“Now a handsome 25-year-old, full of sophistication, ready to meet the world and share the fruits of this journey. With black cherry, soft plum and rich tobacco, one sniff brings seduction and so much more.”
The lightness of Auchentoshan’s triple-distilled spirit makes it perfectly suited to absorbing the qualities of the wine barriques, resulting in an expression that is both sweet and rich.
The liquid is a deep antique copper and takes influence from the long finish in wine barriques with notes of sweet black cherries and grapey-wine tannins lingering to the end.
The 1988 Wine Cask Finish has already been awarded Silver Outstanding in the 2014 International Wine & Spirit Competition. The packaging also received recognition with a nomination in the Scottish Creative Awards.
