Auchroisk 2010/2023 12 Years - Sansibar
The Auchroisk 2010/2023, matured for 12 years and bottled by the independent bottler Sansibar, is a single malt whisky from Speyside that demands attention. With a strong alcohol content of 60.80 % ABV, it brings a strong presence to the glass, but will not suit all tastes.
Tasting Notes
Nose
The flavour of this whisky initially offers a pleasant sweetness with hints of ripe fruit and vanilla. This light, tantalising note is complemented by creamy milk chocolate, which promises a good start. However, less typical elements then come into play: a slightly grassy hay note and a hint of yoghurt add interesting facets, but are not entirely harmonious. Another point that polarises: a subtle spiciness reminiscent of paprika. Whether this is perceived as positive or irritating is probably in the eye (or rather the nose) of the beholder.
Palate
The first sip immediately reveals the high alcohol content. The whisky is strong, almost sharp, and the flavours initially struggle to develop. Vanilla and a certain fruitiness are noticeable, but they do not really manage to balance out the intensity of the alcohol. A dry impression, accompanied by a hint of chocolate, provides a certain depth. Nevertheless, the overall picture remains rather unbalanced - the individual components seem to stand next to each other instead of harmonising with each other.
Finish
The finish of the Auchroisk is characterised by distinct oak, which is strong and slightly bitter. There is a delicate fruity note reminiscent of redcurrants, but it remains in the background and is not very pronounced. Milk chocolate is also present here, albeit rather discreetly.
Thoughts
Marcel 72/100
With the Auchroisk 2010/2023, you experience a rough but honest malt that primarily delivers drinking pleasure through its sweetness and chocolate notes – even though the high alcohol can sometimes be a bit much. Not a masterpiece, but a whisky that shows character and piques curiosity to perhaps discover even more with the next dram.
Sascha 72/100
This Auchroisk impresses with its powerful alcohol structure and interesting aromatic facets, yet suffers from a lack of balance and a somewhat fragmented flavor profile. For lovers of intense, unrefined Speyside whiskies, it offers an exciting, if not entirely harmonious, tasting experience.
Value for Money: Fair
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83/100Frequently Asked Questions
How does the high alcohol content of 60.8% affect the taste of the Auchroisk 2010/2023?
The 60.8% alcohol content delivers a strong, almost sharp presence on the palate that initially dominates the flavors. As a result, the sweet and fruity notes feel less balanced, and the whisky may benefit from a splash of water to better reveal its aromas.
What unusual aromas can be detected in the Auchroisk 2010/2023?
Alongside typical notes like vanilla, ripe fruits, and milk chocolate, the whisky also displays less common aromas such as grassy hay tones, yogurt, and a subtle paprika spice, adding an interesting but not always harmonious facet to the flavor complexity.
What makes the finish of the Auchroisk 2010/2023 distinctive?
The finish is characterized by a pronounced oak bitterness, accompanied by restrained blackcurrant fruitiness and a delicate milk chocolate note, which lend depth to the finish even though the fruit elements remain more in the background.