Embarking on an Islay adventure, I delve into the exquisite realm of Laphroaig with a head-to-head comparison of the renowned Laphroaig 10 vs Quarter Cask single malt Scotch whiskies.
Tag: Beam Suntory Page 1 of 7
Beam Suntory, Inc. is an American multinational company that produces alcoholic beverages. It is a subsidiary of Suntory Holdings of Osaka, Japan, and the company’s headquarters are in Chicago, Illinois. It is the third largest producer of distilled beverages worldwide. The company’s principal brands include :
- Jim Beam, Maker’s Mark, Booker’s, Knob Creek bourbon
- Laphroaig, Bowmore, Ardmore, Auchentoshan, Teacher’s Highland Cream whisky
- Connemara and Kilbeggan Irish whiskey
- DYC whisky
- Yamazaki, Hakushu, Hibiki, Chita whisky
It has been ages since I have done a comparison post, and they are always so much fun. The last ones I did was between rye whiskey. So let’s look at a comparison I have been avoiding, two of my favourite bourbons against each other. The Maker’s Mark vs Woodford Reserve bourbon.
I have not tried an Auchentoshan whisky in years. I loved the Heartwood release, and our bottle did not last very long. A couple of years ago, I bought the Auchentoshan American Oak single malt Scotch whisky but left it standing in the cupboard until last week when I was looking for something new to try.
Auchentoshan distillery is a single malt whisky distillery located at the foot of the Kilpatrick Hills on the outskirts of Clydebank in West Dunbartonshire, just northwest of the city of Glasgow.
The name is from Gaelic, ‘Achadh an Oisein’ and translates as “corner of the field”. It is one of six malt whisky distilleries in the Scottish Lowlands, along with Glenkinchie, Bladnoch and Ailsa Bay.
Also Read: Dunville’s PX Cask 12 yo Whiskey
The distillery has changed hands many times since it opened in 1823. It is now part of the Beam Suntory portfolio. Unusually, all of its production is used for single malt, and they still triple distil all the whisky.
The standard range of Auchentoshan whisky is quite extensive and includes an Auchentoshan 12 yo, Three Wood and even a Blood Oak release (aged in bourbon and red wine casks). The Auchentoshan distillery character is described as smooth and calm.
The Auchentoshan American Oak whisky is their entry-level bottling and aged entirely in first fill ex-bourbon casks. It was first released in 2014 as a replacement for the Classic expression. It is a NAS release and the whisky retails for around R410 in South Africa.
Auchentoshan American Oak Whisky Review
REGION: Lowland
ABV: 43%
COLOUR: Pale gold
NOSE: Gentle creamy sweetness with wood and vanilla. Bits of orange flowers and tropical fruit mixed with malt. Sweet and gentle.
PALATE: Creamy cereal, warming oak and honey with bits of vanilla and soft oak spices. Quite sweet with faint lemon notes. Medium body, nice and smooth. Water softens the palate, making it less complex and dampening the oak and spicy notes. It is better without water.
FINISH: Shortish with notes of oak, lemon peel and honey.
RATING: VERY GOOD
The Auchentoshan American Oak whisky is a very affordable single malt at a retail price of R410 in South Africa. It is sweet with lovely warming oak notes and makes a beautiful pre-dinner dram.
You don’t need to add water; the triple distilling ensures a smooth, light experience. Not the most complex dram. But at the price point, it is good value for money.
Also Read: Dewars White Label Whisky
Another fun side-by-side bourbon comparison, and this time I am looking at the Evan Williams vs Jim Beam bourbon whiskey. As part of my comparison series, I put these two well know budget brands next to each other so you can make an informed buying decision.
One of the more recognizable bottles of bourbon on my shelf is the Maker’s Mark bourbon. With the bright red wax closure, you can spot this bottle at a distance. Today, I want to compare the Maker’s Mark vs Maker’s 46 bourbon whiskey to see how they differ.