Auchroisk 1996 (Liquid Library)

I’ve never tried a truly magnificent Auchroisk. Most of them were okay – I would only call the Auchroisk 30yo 1982 really good.

Auchroisk 17 yo 1996 (48,2%, Liquid Library 2013, refill barrel, 208 btl.)

Nose: big notes of yellow apple and pear. Some hay and buttercups. Chalky notes and lots of plain barley notes too. Settles mainly on the fruity notes: plums and peaches. Fairly neutral spirit, not my style.

Mouth: similar. Slightly harsh fruit spirit. Barley juice meets grain vodka meets grappa meets plum liquor. Just hints of vanilla and pepper. Not very wide.

Finish: rough, short to medium long, with grains and a pinch of salt.

Not the most interesting dram in the recent Liquid Library series. A lot of the Auchroisk production goes to the J&B blend. Around € 80.

Score: 78/100