When I look back at what I already published on the blog, I have a big pang of guilt for all the drams I tried when I discovered the world of whisky. There were many basic drams I tried and never wrote down notes for them, so it’s a happy moment to try such one again and write proper notes when you have a bit more of experience.

Such one is the Auchentoshan 12. I tried it a few times in the past (once even when I visited the distillery) but never wrote notes for it so was happy to taste it again a while ago with proper glass and with time to write down the notes.

Auchentoshan 12 is the bread and butter of Auchentoshan distillery as it’s their basic age-statement expression and you can find almost everywhere.

Auchentoshan 12 (40%, £30.95)

Nose: smooth and creamy, vanilla, creamed fruits. There’s some weak hints of spices, milk chocolate. With a few drops of water we get some additional fruits notes and it get sweeter with added dash of honey. But overall there’s no oomph here

Palate: Spicy oak, some hint of vanilla getting stronger at the back of mouth, dry. With water: less oak, mild and smooth spicy vanilla.

Finish: Short finish with oak and spices.

Conclusion: Well, I feel that Auchentoshan 12 is too simple and too delicate to enjoy properly. I think it best fits as novice whisky or as starter whisky for people trying whisky fir the first time.