They say where you’re from says a lot about who you are and Auchentoshan whisky, pronounced ‘OK-Ken-TO-SHan’, born and raised in the Scottish Lowlands, Glasgow, is staying true to its single malt roots, but with a twist. Triple distilled and matured solely in American bourbon casks, the brand’s smooth and delicate American Oak and 12 year old variants offer South Africans a refreshing drinking experience to the traditional single malt. With sweet notes of vanilla and caramelized sugar, and a tiny bit of spiciness, Auchentoshan is a perfect easy-drinking Scotch for novice drinkers while complex enough for seasoned fans.

With a rich heritage dating back to 1825, Auchentoshan is one of the last active distilleries in the Lowlands and the only one in Scotland exclusively making triple distilled whisky (as opposed to most Scottish malt whisky, which is distilled twice). This triple-distillation, Auchentoshan states, is not just because it’s tradition, but because that is what it takes to create a delicate flavour unlike any other “allowing more of the spirit character from the distillery to come through,” says Ron Welsh, Auchentoshan’s master blender. The combo of flavours provides an unexpectedly refreshing drink and versatile range of single malt whiskies that are the difference between a good cocktail and a great one.

For every last drop of the Scottish Single Malt, Auchentoshan insists on triple distillation. The not so secret final ingredient? Time. While the standard for Single Malt Scotch Whisky is to mature the spirit in oak for at least three years, Auchentoshan takes it further. The brand’s whisky is matured in casks which held bourbon, sherry or fine wine. A selfless act of recycling? Not quite. It’s an essential step in creating Auchentoshan – the spirit and the wood work together over many years, lending colour and flavour to the finished whisky.

Welsh adds, “Auchentoshan’s unique distillation process has the effect of softening the flavour as well as a resulting reputation for being “light.” The result is a light-bodied whisky that is light in flavour, but by no means bland. Auchentoshan offers South Africans a refreshing single malt, without the intensity,” which is made to be mixed.

Auchentoshan can be enjoyed on the rocks, but preferred mixed as a ‘hauf an’ a hauf’ (a whisky and ale), an old Scottish favourite. The spirit’s sweet aroma of citrus zest and bold nuttiness pairs perfectly with the crispness of chilled beer. The Auchentoshan & Ale can be prepared at home with your favourite beer:

35ml American Oak
25 ml honey
25ml fresh lemon juice
Add Ale with citrus notes
Garnished with a lemon wedge

Auchentoshan is available in all major retailers at the recommended retail price R349 for the American Oak and R429 for the 12 year old.

For more information about the brand check out their website at www.auchentoshan.com or follow them on their social media channels: Facebook @auchentoshan | Twitter @Auchentoshan | Instagram @auchentoshan.

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