Just popping down the local, pet.

I am lucky enough to have a distillery on my doorstep. Bizzarilly enough, I have never been in it and have only sampled a couple of its more commercial expressions. (more of which later)

Auchentoshan is one of only 3 remaining(so far as I know) Lowland producers ( although Glengoyn could arguably be called Lowland, since it isn't above the highland boundary fault. I guess the owners feel being "a Highland" is more romantic). The others ( Glenkinchie, & Bladnoch & Loch Lomond) I have to admit to knowing very little about. It's going to be nice finding out about them though ;-)

I used to have another wee distillery even nearer that Auchentoshan called Littlemill. I don't remember it producing, but when I moved down to this neck of the woods, it still had a bonded warehouse on site ( it was owned by the Loch Lomond Distillery). Unortunately its now been knocked down, no doubt to make way for more houses or possibly a super casino......... aye right !)

Anyway..............Auchentoshan,

Its got a really fascinating history, apperently during the Clydebank Blitz, the Luftwaffe blew up a couple of warehouses, resulting in the loss of over 1 Million, aye I did say 1 Million, Litres of spirit. That must have been one hell of a fire ;-(
Have a look at the website ( links on the right), its a bit cheesy, but makes for interesting reading.

The expressions I have tasted are The 3 wood and The Select ( in actual fact I have one in my hand as I type. Slainte Mhath )

The Select -
Hmmm, I have to say its palatable enough, quiet light and easy to sup, but (and maybe its just I haven't got my senses back after this cold) it doesn't do an awful lot for me. It's definetly a young un, so benefits I think from a reasonable splash of water 75 - 100% ( I would use water from the burn that runs into it, but its a bit murky and there are lots of sheep in the field just now ;-) ) Tasting notes suggest :

Nose: Floral, green apples and a hint of lime. - I get a bit more Pear Drops than apple, but hey I don't make the stuff.
Palate: Soft blackcurrant and lime flavours, with a touch of aniseed and malty sweetness. - for me its loads of aniseed and sharp malt, its funny how people's palates differ, but thats half the fun I guess.
Finish: Short, soft and fresh. - Aye, I'll go with that.

The 3 Wood -
I havent tried this one for some time, but when I had it last, it knocked me out. I remember it being really full bodied, not quiet christmas pud, but damn close. Strange for a lowland that, but it did have a real bit of depth to it. Tasting notes say:

Body: Medium with a mellow roundness.
Nose: Blackcurrant, brown sugar, orange, plum and raisin.
Palate: Fruit and syrup. Hazelnut with hints of cinnamon and lemon. A butterscotch sweetness adds to the overall complexity.
Finish: Fresh and fruity with a long lasting oaky sweetness.

Quiet frankly, from memory, I can't argue.

I'm going to try & get up to the Distillery this weekend and with any luck will get a sample of some of their more unusual wares. For the moment I would say, try the 3 Wood, its a pretty lowcost malt with tons of character.

'fraid that's all for now.

Yec'hed mat