New Auchentoshan whiskies, new packaging too!
June 5th, 2008Auchentoshan is getting a new look. More importantly, the line is being extended with two new whiskies. I received the information yesterday, but I waited to get some answers to questions I had before posting.
The two new whiskies are Auchentoshan Classic and Auchentoshan 18 year old. My first question to the Morrison Bowmore folks is whether the Classic (their new entry level whisky lacking an age statement) is merely a renaming of Auchentoshan Select. Their response:
Classic is not just a new name for Select . It is a new creation from 100% Bourbon matured barrels-it is exceptional quality, especially for the price.
The 18 year old is also new. Yes, if you have been drinking Auchentoshan as long as I have, you may remember an 18 year old Auchentoshan packaged in those old short rectangular bottles with the metal screw top. That was probably 15-20 years ago, so I think it fair to say that this 18 year old is a new release, not a re-release.
Unfortunately, all of my U.S. readers will have to be a little patient. Here’s the launch schedule, as told to me this morning:
The launches are taking place in England, Scotland, Germany, other European countries last week, this week, next week. But the U.S. is slated for September/October and is still in the planning stages.
I’m hoping to get review samples sooner than later and I’ll pass on my thoughts at that time. I’ll also update you to the exact launch date in the U.S. (and pricing) when I get it. Auchentoshan 12 year old , Three Wood, and 21 year old remain in the Auchentoshan portfolio.
June 5th, 2008 at 12:39 pm
I just wanted to clarify one point on my Auchentoshan posting above. While the press release I received states that the only the Auchentoshan Classic and Auchentoshan 18 are new products, I was also informed that the Auchentoshan 12 year old is a new product. And, in case you were wondering, I was also told that Auchentoshan Select and Auchentoshan 10 year old are being phased out. I hope that clears up any confusion.
August 16th, 2008 at 9:37 pm
I just got back from Edinburgh with a bottle of the Auchentoshan 18. It’s well balanced with a citrus, floral palate and a smooth finish. I normally drink Ardbeg, Caol Ila, and Laphroaig, so the Auchentoshan seemed very mild at first. However, I did warm to its subtler flavors after a bit.
August 16th, 2008 at 11:11 pm
Subtle indeed, and very enjoyable.