Alcademics

New Booze: American Oak from Auchentoshan 

Auchentoshan Single Malt Lowland Scotch Whisky, the only single malt in Scotland to triple distill every drop, introduces Auchentoshan American Oak, the first ever Auchentoshan to be matured only in first fill ex bourbon casks.

The name harkens to the 100 year old oak trees (of the Quercus alba species) grown in the North American mountains which become bourbon casks that will eventually age Auchentoshan’s newest expression. Auchentoshan American Oak will become a permanent member of the Auchentoshan portfolio, which includes 12 Years Old and Three Wood.

Auchentoshan American Oak is available nationwide with a suggested retail price of $39.99.

Auchentoshan triple distills every drop, meaning that the spirit produced reaches 81.5% alcohol by volume, significantly higher than most Single Malt Whisky distilleries in Scotland. The lightness of the liquid enables it to more readily absorb every characteristic it is exposed to in the cask.

Auchentoshan American Oak ages in first fill ex bourbon casks. The North American oak barrels used for American Oak maturation are first seasoned with American bourbon whiskey, which serves to remove the harsher bitter oak tannins. Auchentoshan has found that higher positions in the warehouse promote more spice and intense bourbon vanilla extraction from the oak, whereas casks matured nearer ground level promote softer peach and citrus fruit top notes and silky coconut. 

The Auchentoshan portfolio includes Auchentoshan Classic, 12 Year Old, Three Wood, 18 Year Old and the limited release 21 Year Old, in addition to select vintage, limited edition releases. The Auchentoshan portfolio is imported to the U.S. by Campari America. For more information about Auchentoshan, visit www.auchentoshan.com.