Auchentoshan Three Wood Whisky

Distillery Background and History

Auchentoshan is located in the Lowlands, in Dalmuir (near Glasgow), Scotland. The distillery was originally founded in 1823 (its predecessor “Duntocher” origins) and over time changed hands multiple times before being acquired by Morrison Bowmore Distillers, later becoming part of Suntory. It is one of the few Lowland distilleries still in operation and is distinguished by its practice of triple distillation, giving a lighter, smoother spirit.

Master Distiller and Production Philosophy

Auchentoshan emphasizes delicacy, balance, and complexity. While no single “Master Distiller” is always named, the distillery’s team focuses on careful cask selection, layering maturation influence, and letting the triple-distilled spirit shine through wood character.

Source of Ingredients (Grain, Water, Yeast)

The whisky is made from malted barley (100%), with water drawn from local sources in the Kilpatrick Hills. Yeast strains are proprietary. The Lowland terroir and the purity of water contribute to its cleaner, floral character.

Distillation Process

Auchentoshan uses copper pot stills in a three-step distillation process (wash still → intermediate still → spirit still). This triple distillation is relatively rare in Scotland and results in a lighter, more delicate new make spirit.

Maturation & Cask Information

Three Wood is matured sequentially in three cask types:

1. Ex-bourbon American oak casks (initial maturation),

2. Then transferred to Spanish Oloroso sherry casks,

3. And finally finished in Pedro Ximénez (PX) sherry casks.

   While it carries no official age statement, sources suggest a breakdown such as ~10 years in bourbon casks, ~1–2 years in Oloroso, and ~1–2 years in PX.

Tasting Notes

• Nose: Blackcurrants, brown sugar, orange peel, plum, raisins.

• Palate: Intense fruit syrup, plums, raisins, hazelnut, hints of cinnamon, butterscotch, oak.

• Finish: Long, smooth with lingering oaky sweetness, fruity echoes, light spice.

Food Pairing Suggestions

Dark chocolate, dried fruit cakes, sticky toffee pudding, roasted nuts, citrus marmalade tarts, pecan pie.

Serving Suggestions and Ideal Glassware

Serve neat or with a few drops of water to unlock more layers. Use a Glencairn glass or tulip whisky glass. Best enjoyed at 18-20 °C.

Storage and Aging Potential

Once bottled, it should be stored upright, in a cool, dark place away from direct light and extreme temperature changes. It is considered fully mature; further aging in bottle leads only to slow, subtle evolution.

Grain Type & Mash Bill

This is a single malt Scotch whisky (100% malted barley).

ABV (Alcohol by Volume)

43 % ABV