"On the QT" The Whisky Edition Auchentoshan 27-Year-Old Single Malt
Made by the Auchentoshan Distillery
If you’d describe yourself as a whisky enthusiast or a single-malt connoisseur, you might be interested in this story… Once upon a time in 1823, the Auchentoshan Distillery was built in the Lowlands of Scotland, 40 miles south of Loch Katrine, but close enough to the city for its spirit to be described as ‘Glasgow’s malt whisky’. The distillery’s name is from the Gaelic Achadh an Oisen, which means ‘corner of the field’ and if you’re wondering how to pronounce it, go for: ock-en-tosh-en (with emphasis on the ‘ock’ and ‘tosh’).
Auchentoshan is unusual in that it triple-distils all its whisky. But this "On the QT" edition, is uncommon for many reasons. It is the highest-proof distillate produced by any single-malt makers in Scotland - the result of which is a clean, clear whisky with subtle citrus and tropical fruit notes. And its ingredients - the purity of the water from Loch Katrine, and the gently kilned unpeated barley - enables the true character of the spirit and the barrel oak to shine. In fact much of its flavour and freshness comes from ageing for 27 years in this single (just one!) ex-bourbon oak barrel. Bottling took place on 25 June 2020 - at its peak of perfection - and once the angels had taken their share (a wonderful way of describing evaporation), there was enough whisky in that rare barrel to fill 141 bottles… which are available exclusively at Cellar.
It remains a mystery as to how or why this unique whisky came about - but our experts recognise treasure when they taste it. And what Xenia and spirits buyer, John Vine, do know is that now is the time to discover what astonishing softness, elegance and complexity comes with ageing for 27 years. So pour yourself a glass of Lowland history and enjoy delicate cereal, grassy then creamy aromas, flavours of spice, toffee apple and tropical fruit and a long, balanced, caramel-smooth finish.