Auchentoshan Three Wood

Three woods... Three kinds of sweetness.

The name may be hard to pronounce, but the palate is easy to enjoy.

 

Thanks for the cameo, Mr. Murray.

Pronounced: (Oakh-en-toash-en)

So on a whim, I decided to try something new. As you’ll find out in the subsequent reviews, I am really a fan of the Islay smoke. The peat, smoke, and general taste of a campfire in my mouth is what I normally go for. However, I received a good tip from a reliable source, and decided to branch outside of my usual routine. Needless to say, I was not disappointed.

 

First of all, I was definitely satisfied that there were multiple types of Auchentoshan available at my local store. In terms of price, this particular bottle was in the medium price range when compared to other Single Malts (around $60-70 depending on where you find it).

I got home, and decided why wait, let’s just try it now. What better way to decompress from a stressful day, than to taste and review a new Scotch. As with any new tasting, I went through the usual routine. I grabbed my Glencairn glass, a bottle of distilled water, and made sure my palate was clear. I will start out by saying, let it open up. The initial nose was mixed, but after about 10 minutes, it really started to open up.

 

Nose

Neat: Definitely some sweet notes. Specifically noticed brown sugar and toffee present, with a subtle note of vanilla (could almost pass for a spiced rum with the initial whiff).

With a dash of water: Brown sugar is king, with some of the former notes becoming more subtle.

Palate

Neat: It is definitely rich. The toffee from the nose definitely makes a guest appearance, backed up by some cherry and other fruit.

With a dash of water: The rich taste is still present, and the brown sugar overpowers the other fruits.

Finish

Neat: There is a reason that this bottle is called “Three Wood.” The finish lets a few notes of the toffee and chocolate linger for a short time, before it is capped with the taste of the wood. Overall it is a short/moderate finish, but closes nicely.

With a dash of water: Same finish.

Overall

There is a reason that I try to preach branching outside of your comfort zone. Often, you will be pleasantly surprised. This is one of those cases for me. The price, taste, and quality of the Auchentoshan Three Wood is a great combination. In a blind test, this would have passed for an older, more expensive Single Malt.

If you are looking for something new, take a look at the Auchentoshan Three Wood. You won’t be upset.

And if you are upset, please feel free to send the remainder of the bottle my way!

 

If you have any other notes that you want to add, feel free to comment below!

 

Cheers!

S.P.