The Art of Triple Distillation: A Guide to Auchentoshan Whisky

Auchentoshan distillery is a Scotch whisky distillery located in the suburb of Auchentoshan, near Glasgow, Scotland.  It was established in 1823 and is one of the few distilleries in Scotland that produces single malt whisky using triple distillation, resulting in a lighter, smoother taste.  Throughout its history, the distillery has faced numerous challenges, including ownership changes, fires, and the impacts of two World Wars.  Despite these difficulties, Auchentoshan has managed to maintain its reputation for producing high-quality whisky and has expanded its product line over the years to include a variety of expressions.

 

 

In the late 20th and early 21st centuries, the distillery underwent a period of modernization and renovation, with new stills and equipment installed to improve the efficiency of the production process.  Today Auchentoshan is known for its triple-distilled single malt whisky, prized for its smooth and delicate flavor profile.

 

Despite its small size, Auchentoshan has played a significant role in the history of Scottish whisky and remains an essential player in the industry.  The distillery is a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors from around the world interested in learning about the art and science of whisky-making.

 

 

Auchentoshan Distillery produces a range of single-malt Scotch whiskies with a light and smooth flavor profile due to triple distillation.  The types of whisky sold by Auchentoshan include:

Auchentoshan Three Wood: Aged in three different cask types, including sherry, bourbon, and port, for a rich and complex flavor profile.

Auchentoshan Classic: Aged in American oak casks for a smooth, easy-drinking single malt.

Auchentoshan 12-Year-Old: Aged for a minimum of 12 years, this whisky offers a balance of fruit, spice, and toffee notes.

Auchentoshan American Oak: Aged exclusively in American oak casks, this whisky has a light, sweet and vanilla character.

Auchentoshan Springwood: Aged in first-fill bourbon casks, this single malt has a creamy, sweet, and zesty flavor.

Auchentoshan Valinch: A limited edition cask-strength single malt bottled directly from the cask without additional water or filtration.

In addition to these core expressions, Auchentoshan also offers limited edition and rare bottlings, including exclusive single cask releases, minor batch releases, and older vintages.

 

 

Auchentoshan Distillery is known for its unique triple distillation method, which gives its whiskies a lighter, smoother flavor profile.  But the history of triple distillation at Auchentoshan goes back much further than the distillery itself.

According to legend, Irish monks who settled around Auchentoshan in the 8th century first introduced triple distillation to Scotland.  These monks were skilled distillers and were said to have used triple distillation to produce a pure and light spirit suitable for medicinal purposes.

 

Over time, the tradition of triple distillation spread throughout Scotland, and by the 19th century, it had become a hallmark of Auchentoshan's whisky-making style.  Today Auchentoshan remains one of the few distilleries in Scotland that continues to use triple distillation, and its whiskies are widely recognized for their smooth and delicate flavor profile.

So the next time you enjoy a glass of Auchentoshan, you can think back to the Irish monks who brought triple distillation to Scotland and helped to establish Auchentoshan's unique place in the world of whisky.