Three casks. Triple distilled. Sounds like the perfect plan. Like harmony, like smoothness, like a Lowlander that wraps everyone around its finger. But the Auchentoshan Three Wood didn't read the script. It’s no charmer. It’s a fighter. It doesn't want to please; it wants to argue. And sometimes, it gets loud.
The Facts
Auchentoshan Three Wood
Lowlands | NAS | 43% | Bourbon, Oloroso & PX Sherry Casks
My Notes
Nose:
First impression? Alcohol. Sharp, direct, almost medicinal. Underneath, an apricot fights its way through, accompanied by a hint of sherry. But it doesn't feel round. It feels like the aromas are still looking for their place. A bit musty, a bit restless.
Palate
The fight continues. Sharp at first, the alcohol leads the charge. Then toffee and wood flash through, trying to smooth the waves. Subtle sherry notes appear, but they stay in the background, almost shy against the alcoholic punch. It’s complex, yes. But it’s an exhausting complexity.
Finish
Dry. Woody. Very little fruit remains. Instead, a slightly numbing sensation on the tongue. It doesn't say goodbye with a hug, but with a shrug.
The Aura
Why these colors? Dusty Oak is the foundation—the dry, almost dusty wood that runs through everything. Sharp Apricot stands for the alcoholic, pointed fruitiness that sets the tone. And Muted Sherry? That’s the sherry influence that is present but never truly allowed to shine because it gets overpowered.
My Verdict on the Auchentoshan Three Wood
A complex Lowlander with depth, but also rough edges. It’s interesting, no question. But it’s not my style. It needs time, a lot of time, to open up. And even then, it remains a misfit. If you like a fight, you’ll love it. If you’re looking for harmony, keep walking.
Complex but easy: Glencadam PC Sherry
Full of fruits but sweet: Scallywag Noir Edition
The Official Script
Here’s the distillery’s official version for comparison:
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 long-lasting oaky sweetness.
The Reality Check
The distillery describes a feast: syrup, butterscotch, fresh fruits. "Smooth and lively." My experience is different. Where they taste "fruit and syrup," I taste "sharpness and wood." Where they find "long-lasting oaky sweetness," I find "dry numbness." The complexity of the three casks is there—I won't deny that. But for me, the pieces don't come together. It’s a puzzle where the pieces just won't fit.