Did you know that the Lowlands used to be one of the largest whisky distilling regions in Scotland? Or that the region is known for a light, delicate style of Scotch whisky?
Well, you’ve come to the right place to learn about it! Wholly Spirits currently has a Real Deal going on for Auchentoshan, arguably the best-known of all the Lowland whisky distilleries currently in operation.
Pronounced “awe-khen-tosh-en”, Auchentoshan is a Scottish Gaelic word that means “the corner of a field”, and according to Dundas, the distillery was built in 1823 in the outskirts of Glasgow, very much in the central, most populated part of Scotland.
Read on for some facts about Lowland whisky and Auchentoshan! For more information and to shop for our June Real Deals, please visit the Wholly Spirits Online Store.
1) The Lowlands used to be one of the largest whisky producing regions in Scotland
More than 150 years ago, the Lowlands used to produce A LOT of whisky. However, during the 18th and 19th century, Lowland distilleries ALSO garnered a bad reputation for producing low-quality spirits, and the rise in popularity of blends also led to many malt distilleries either switching to making grain whiskies, or closing down.
Today there are currently three major malt distilleries in the Lowlands – Auchentoshan, Glenkinchie and Bladnoch, though there have been a number of new distilleries popping up in the region in recent times.
2) Lowland whisky is traditionally triple distilled
One unique characteristic of traditional Lowland whiskies is the process of triple distillation, though Auchentoshan is currently the only distillery in Scotland to triple distil their whisky.
During this process, the spirit passes through three uniquely shaped stills, which allows for more copper contact, and thus a lighter and more delicate end product. It produces a spirit that, at 81.5% ABV (alcohol base volume), is a higher strength than any other distillery.
4) Lowland whisky style is usually light and grassy
The triple distillation process is one of the factors that gave Lowland malt whisky its reputation for a light, grassy style. The process takes a lot of the impurities out, and therefore what you see is a very clean nose, freshness in the spirit, and a bit of greenness to it, which is very typical of Lowland whiskies.
But the spirit alone is not enough – it is the combination of that light delicate spirit plus the quality of the casks the spirit is put in is what makes Lowland whiskies like Auchentoshan unique.
5) The Auchentoshan Three Wood showcases the Lowland style perfectly
The Three Wood is arguably Auchentoshan’s best-known product. It spends approximately 10 years in a bourbon cask, then is move it into an Oloroso sherry cask for a year, and then finally, it is transferred into a Pedro Ximenez sherry cask for a year.
The result is a whisky with very strong sherry notes – there is sherry coming through immediately on the nose. But because it’s not a marriage of casks but more of a finish, there is a big impact from the sherry casks. Hence, you get a big burst of flavour in the beginning, followed by lighter bourbon flavours, and rich, big flavours going down the throat.
June Auchentoshan Real Deal
Established in 1823, Auchentoshan is one of the few Lowland distilleries left standing, and still retains all its traditional production methods, including its unique Triple Distillation process.
Lowland whiskies are well-known for a light, approachable style that is great as an everyday dram or for a special occasion.
As part of this month’s Real Deals, each bottle of Auchentoshan you buy also comes with a FREE Auchentoshan whisky glass.
For more information and to shop, please visit the Wholly Spirits Online Store.
Auchentoshan Three Wood
As the name suggests, the Auchentoshan flagship Three Wood has spent a fair few years in casks made from not just one, but 3 types of wood. The majority of the time is spent in ex-Bourbon Barrels (up to 10 years), then it is finished in Oloroso for 2 years, and finally, another 2 in Pedro Ximenez sherry casks.
On the nose, berry fruit, plums, brown sugar and orange. The palate brings forth the nuttier and fruitier notes of the sherries, dark ripe rich fruit and woody spice. The finish is long, fresh, fruity and sweet. Great on its own but versatile in cocktails.
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Auchentoshan 12YO
Launched in 2011 to replace the 10 year old in Auchentoshan’s core range, this triple-distilled Lowland malt is matured in ex bourbon barrels and sherry casks.
You get a distinctive aroma of crème brûlée on the nose with a burst of citrus, and then the signature nuttiness and green leafiness. The palate has sweet notes along with hints of tangerine and lime. The finish offers a gingery and slightly dry finish with a pleasant, lingering nuttiness. Great neat, but also can be used in cocktails.
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Auchentoshan 18YO
If you like the Auchentoshan 12YO, you’ll LOVE the 18YO. Launched in 2008, this triple-distilled Lowland malt is matured 100% in American ex-bourbon casks, which makes for a surprisingly fresh and nutty nose with hints of tea and tobacco leaves.
On the palate, you get again, a light, fresh floral note and a slight tang of citrus zestiness that is quite uncommon in most 18YO Scotch single malts, and segues into a long, lingering finish that leaves you longing for more.
Take this one neat or on the rocks, and savour that wonderful Lowland summer flavour.