The American Oak from Auchentoshan has been around for a while (2014) and is their entry level malt. It is composed with whisky that matured – as the name suggests – on American oak. This American Oak Reserve differs in the sense that all the whisky matured on first fill bourbon casks only. It was introduced in September 2019, together with the Dark Oak that I’ll try in a minute. The can only get this bottle in the duty free and at the distillery.

It offers a sweet nose that reminds me of bourbon for just a second with its vanilla and caramel. But then the delicate character of Auchentoshan shines through. Lemongrass, coconut, something floral, some nuts and quite a bit of apples (both crispy fresh and baked). Frangipane pastry with a sugar coating. It even has something new make-y, which tells me it is quite young. Having said that: very easy, very accessible and very Auchentoshan.

It is light and yet a bit creamy as well. The mouthfeel is fine. Taste wise we are very close to the American Oak, but this one has a little more punch, a little more spices. There is a lovely peppery note. Coconut, apples and oranges with some pastry appear midpalate. And a very precise dose of tannins gives it a slightly drying edge.

The finish is longer than I feared and remains feisty with some pepper.