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Okentoshen differs from traditional Scotch whiskeys in the absence of pronounced peaty notes in the bouquet.
The barley spirit, produced at the distillery of the same name in Lowland, is characterized by a special delicate taste, the secret of which lies in the triple distillation of the drink, which undoubtedly distinguishes Auchentoshan whiskey from similar products in the region.
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History of the Okentoshen brand
A small distillery appeared in the vicinity of Glasgow in 1823. Little is known about the formation and early years of the company’s existence: the first owner was supposedly a certain Mr. Thorne. Perhaps he was a native of Ireland, which explains the use of triple distillation, which is unusual for Scottish distilleries.
The farm was located on a plain, in an open field, near the hills of Old Kilpatrick. The unusual location is reflected in the name of the company: translated from the Celtic “okentoshen” means “corner of the field.”
The original whiskey took root among the local population and was highly valued by British aristocrats. In the XNUMXth century, the molt produced at the Auchentoshan distillery became quite popular.
The war years turned out to be difficult for the economy: warehouses were seriously damaged and significant damage was caused to production. However, despite the difficulties, the company managed to recover and preserve the original taste of the drinks. In 1984, the distillery became part of Morrison Bowmore Distillers, and then, in the Japanese concern Suntory.
Features of the production of whiskey Okentoshen
Malt is made from selected malting barley, dried, finely ground, wort is prepared and heated. The Okentoshen distillery is located on the plain, but the water for mashing is obtained in the highlands, which favorably affects the taste of whiskey.
For the fermentation of the wort, oak barrels are used on the farm, which give softness to the drinks.
Braga is distilled three times and a distillate of high strength (up to 81% by volume) and aroma is obtained. Triple distillation is time consuming and costly, but provides the whiskey with a unique flavor that is thin and smooth, unlike traditional Scotch malts.
The distillate is aged in oak barrels for bourbon, sherry or wine. Each type of wood gives the drinks its own flavor shades. The minimum maturation period for Auchentoshan products is 3 years, in some cases the exposure reaches several decades.
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Overview of flavors and types of whiskey Okentoshen
American Oak
Whiskey bright golden color, aged in bourbon barrels. Aroma: vanilla, with notes of citrus zest. Taste: refreshing, lively, with hints of white peach and coconut. Finish: crisp, bright, with accents of candied grapefruit and spices.
Three Wood
Award-winning drink aged in three types of barrels: from American bourbon and two types of Spanish sherry. Color: bronze-gold. The multifaceted bouquet is dominated by notes of iris and sherry, hints of blackcurrant, citrus, raisins, plums and cinnamon are captured. Finish: fruity-refreshing with hints of oak sweetness.
Bartender`s Malt
A complex whiskey that has absorbed the aromas of 5 different barrels. Colour: golden copper with green highlights. Bouquet: dried apricots, milk chocolate, honey, young tobacco, cherry blossom, ginger, fresh pastries. Aftertaste: sharp, spicy, warming.
12 year Old, 18 year Old и 21 year Old
Exquisite single malts, long aged in oak. The color of drinks varies from honey-golden to bright copper. The bouquet of 12-year-old whiskey is dominated by accents of almonds, caramel, citrus and spices. Refreshing notes of green tea appear in the 18-year-old molt, and the most mature drink, which has spent more than 2 decades in barrels, plays with delicate shades of ripe gooseberries, honey, cream and vanilla.
Blood Oak
Original whiskey aged in bourbon and red wine barrels. Such aging provides the drink with an unusual color – golden with bright crimson hues. The bouquet contains tones of spices, vanilla, ginger and red fruits: raspberries, currants, cherries, plums. Finish: bright, sweetish-spicy, with warming oak notes.
Heartwood
The combination of two types of wood – from American bourbon and Spanish sherry – led to the creation of a harmonious, multifaceted drink with a fruity-sweet bouquet. Aroma: fresh cappuccino. Colour: dark honey. Finish: long, rich, fruity, warm.
Noble Oak
A 24-year aging in sherry and bourbon casks distinguishes this noble malt. Main notes: oak, sherry, pine needles, grapefruit, ginger, caramel. Colour: golden barley. Aroma: prunes, orange peel, forest herbs. Finish: peach and caramel with hints of oak.
Springwood
Aged in North American bourbon barrels, the drink has a playful spring character. Colour: soft golden. Aroma: vanilla-citrus. Taste: warm, lively, clean, with hints of spices and pink grapefruit.
How to drink Okentoshen whiskey
Pure as an aperitif or digestif.
As part of cocktails, the recipes of which are presented on the manufacturer’s website, as well as in a duet with beer or ale.
Should I buy Okentoshen whiskey?
The Russian consumer knows little about the rare Scotch whiskey Okentoshen. Those who have tasted the drink speak positively about it: “refined and light”, “soft”, “wonderful whiskey for reasonable money”, “good drink”, “excellent”.
The greatest number of positive impressions refers to the “American Oak” line. The original malt will appeal to lovers of delicate whiskey, without harsh peaty notes.
Those who prefer classic Scottish scotch may be disappointed. However, it is worth trying the product in any case in order to form your own opinion about it.
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Relevance: 13.03.2019
Tags: Whiskey and bourbon, Whiskey brands