Scotch

Whisky Review: Auchentoshan American Oak

We review Auchentoshan American Oak, the entry-level release from one of the few Lowland single malt distilleries. It's aged entirely in ex-bourbon casks.

OVERALL RATING

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Tasting Notes

About:

Appearance:
Quite light, a pale gold
Nose:
Even though it’s right there in the name, oak is rather muted in the nose. Instead, I get a blast of ozonated grain, like a wheat silo right before a thunderstorm. There’s a light thread of milky vanilla bean that reminds me of ice cream, plus some freshly sliced green apple and charred beeswax. Gentle and subtle.
Palate:
Sweet, creamy, and light, this is like the whisky equivalent of a big bowl of Honey Nut Cheerios in front of Saturday morning cartoons. I get a nice dose of vanilla and citrus, plus a bit of musky cracked malt and a burst of warm spice near the end—a testament to the influence of those ex-bourbon casks. The finish is brief and warming, almost reminiscent of dried chili, with a thin, somewhat vaporous mouth feel.
Finish:
Comments:
Based on the marketing materials for Auchentoshan American Oak, I’d say this release is aimed squarely at the on-premise/Millennial market, and that seems like just the right place for this whisky. While there’s nothing totally captivating here, there’s also nothing offensive. It’s a totally serviceable value drinker that’s easy to recommend at its price point, especially for a warm-weather sipper. rn rn

Editor’s Note: This whiskey was either bought as a sample by The Whiskey Wash or provided to us as a review sample by the party behind it. Per our editorial policies, this in no way influenced the outcome of this review.

Margarett Waterbury

Margarett Waterbury is the author of "Scotch: A Complete Introduction to Scotland's Whiskies" and a full-time freelance writer and editor specializing in the beverage industry. Her work has graced the pages of numerous publications, including Whisky Advocate, Food and Wine, Spirited Magazine, Artisan Spirit, Edible Seattle, Sip Northwest, Civil Eats, Travel Oregon, and many others. She also boasts editorial experience as the former managing editor of Edible Portland and as a co-founder and former managing editor of The Whiskey Wash. In recognition of her talent, Margarett received the Alan Lodge Young Drinks Writer of the Year award in 2017 and was awarded fellowships for the Symposium for Professional Wine Writers in 2017 and 2019.

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