First up in my recommended spirits for the holiday season series is the beautifully crafted Auchentoshan 18 Year Old Oloroso Sherry Matured single-malt Scotch ($100).
Auchentoshan is an unpeated Lowland malt renowned for its smoothness. Thrice distilled (the norm is twice) and aged 18 years in first- and second-fill sherry butts, this is the rare Scotch that has absolutely no bite despite going into the bottle at cask strength (55.8 percent alcohol).
What it delivers is intensity of flavor and a rounded, lush mouthfeel that will remind some of a smooth, high-end Irish whisky. Complex aromas of honey, almonds and dried fruits combined with a long, sensuous finish made the Auchentoshan 18 Year Old Sherry one of the most memorable Scotch whiskys ever to pass these lips.
Only 4800 bottles are available for the entire world.
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