Today, I’m diving into the Aultmore 18 year old Foggie Moss single malt Scotch whisky, and what immediately captures my attention is the enchanting name of their single malt collection: Foggy Moss. Just mentioning it conjures a vivid image – a hauntingly beautiful scene of fog weaving through the corridors of a moss-draped, long-forgotten castle nestled on the misty moors.
As it turns out, my imagination is pretty close to the mark. Aultmore Distillery is nestled in the heart of the Scottish Speyside region, specifically in Banffshire. This location often finds itself veiled in a dense, mysterious fog, which only adds to the allure of this remarkable distillery.
Aultmore’s story dates back to 1895, when Alexander Edward founded it. At just 25 years old, he joined forces with Peter Mackie to acquire his father’s land. There he establish the renowned Craigellachie distillery.
A few years later, upon his return from an extensive international sojourn, Alexander Edward commissioned the construction of Aultmore Distillery.
The word “Aultmore” originates in the Gaelic term “A t-Allt Mor,” roughly translating to ‘big burn.’ Here, the ‘burn’ refers to the Burn of Auchinderran, the pristine water source for the distillery.
Over the years, Aultmore changed hands, transitioning from John Dewars to Distiller Company and eventually to Scottish Malt Distillers. In 1998, the distillery found its way back to Dewars, a subsidiary of Bacardi.
Interestingly, the bulk of Aultmore’s spirit has traditionally been utilized in blends, with the Aultmore 12 year old whisky emerging in 2014, followed by the Aultmore 18 year old single malt whisky in 2015.
Notably, a range of independent bottlings of Aultmore exists for enthusiasts seeking distinct expressions of this fine Speyside whisky. The Aultmore 18 year old single malt Scotch whisky undergoes maturation in a combination of ex-bourbon casks and refill sherry casks.
Also Read: Craigellachie 13 yo Whisky
Aultmore 18 year old Whisky Review
ABV: 46%
COLOUR: Old gold
NOSE: Delightful scents of fresh orchard fruit kissed by the morning sun, interwoven with nuances reminiscent of freshly baked Pasteis de Nata and the subtle embrace of sherry. Hints of lemon blossom, meadows swaying with tall grasses, and a gentle oak note greet the senses. In the background, there’s a whisper of light spice and a touch of cherries, all elegantly balanced.
PALATE: The first sip is akin to biting into a succulent, fresh peach dusted with vanilla sugar, accompanied by playful notes of lemon drops and a touch of greenery. As the journey continues, subtle sherry undertones merge seamlessly with the warm embrace of freshly baked biscuits and a gentle hint of oak.
A subtle nutty maltiness and a dash of pepper on the palate. Adding a few drops of water softens the slight alcohol heat. It brings forth the green notes, creating a complex and utterly delightful experience.
FINISH: The finish lingers for a medium duration, leaving notes of malt, oak, and a gentle kiss of lemon pepper.
RATING: EXCELLENT
What a delectable Speyside dram! Its oily mouthfeel gracefully carries a symphony of flavours. While it boasts complexity, it remains wonderfully approachable. Personally, I prefer it without water, savouring its natural essence.
After this enchanting encounter with the Aultmore 18 year old Scotch, I’m eager to embark on a quest to explore more from this Speyside distillery. It promises to be a journey filled with rich, flavours and stories from this historic distillery shrouded in the mystique of Foggy Moss.
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