Auchentoshan with an injection of oloroso sherry
Auchentoshan recently rebranded their bottles and I must say: they could not have gone much uglier with their presentation. They are not unique in the approach that was chosen. The overly simplified labels we have seen on Benromach and Glencadam (where I do think it has some flair) and Glenmorangie (with this strange cutting of the syllables). Auchentoshan has chosen this approach and is now known as AUCHEN and TOSHAN. Alrighty then. If the whisky in the bottle improved is a question still unanswered. If I can get samples I will try them on the blog, but my previous experience left something to be desired.
Surprisingly enough, Auchentoshan is seen quite a lot these days in the hands of independent bottlers. Several have released expressions in 2026, and we managed to grab one too, done in a new series by Signatory Vintage. The Monuments of Scotland is a new variant in the diverse series this independent bottler presents, in a decidedly more chic decanters and beautiful labels. So, two birds with one stone here, tasting a sample from this series AND an independent Auchentoshan. Let’s go!
Auchentoshan 2013, 13 years old, bottled at 50,8 % abv by Signatory Vintage
First things first: Whisky from this Glaswegian lowland distillery that was finished in a first-fill oloroso sherry butt. The malt was distilled on 16 April 2013 and bottled in April 2026.
Upon Sipping: Rather complex to nose this Auchentoshan, which comes off splendid from the sherry influences. Some layers of ozone before the raisins and herbal influences break through to the surface. There is also a charming nuttiness. On the palate, the Auchentoshan spirit is traditionally impenetrable, being a bit hard on the tongue, like there is a layer of film over the deeper layers. It is certainly different from other malt, it’s got that going for it. The finish is a thing of beauty though, with a delicate sweetness from cherry liquor. On repeated sipping some koriander, adding to a nice spiciness towards the back of the palate. With water the nose is more pronounced on the raisins, but basically the same, showing this Auchentoshan can swim. A floral note emerges on the palate, but still the sherry cask does the heavy lifting. Leaning towards a soapy finish now.
Word to the Wise: Quite a decent Auchentoshan, even though the sherry cask is the main attraction here. It masks the weakness of the Auchentoshan spirit enough to almost make you forget which distillery you are drinking from. Take my remarks with a grain of salt if you are a fan, Auchentoshan has never won over my heart.
Score: 83 points.