There used to be a time when visiting whisky shops at airports was a joy. They had some special releases or specific batches that were better or more interesting than what you found in main street shops.
Somehow my impression is quite different nowadays: the selection tends to be bland and while there are still special editions for travel retail, more often than not I am suspicious that distilleries use them to get rid of unwanted stocks. Just a personal feeling.
Auchentoshan Cooper’s Reserve is part of their (successful) travel retail range, which was launched in 2012 and also includes the younger Auchentoshan Heartwood for instance. It spent 14 years in bourbon casks and Oloroso sherry casks.
Auchentoshan 14 yo Cooper’s Reserve (46%, OB +/- 2016)
Nose: lots of citrus sweetness, apricots and honey. Yellow raisins, as well as some spices from the sherry casks. Almonds. Nicely fruity, but also rather sharp with some grassy oak.
Mouth: bright fruits again (oranges, raisins, hints of fresh figs), honey sweetness and vanilla. Then some toasted nuts and spicy oak. Ginger cake and pepper.
Finish: medium, on bittersweet spices, walnuts and hints of toffee.
All good, fairly gentle and modest, with sweet fruits but also active wood spices to give it some punch. Certainly on the same level as their regular range. Still available in some places (also regular retail) for around € 50-60.
Score: 81/100