Auchroisk 12 Years (2010/2023) - 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.
The panel
Mean 72.0 · spread 0
Value for money 3/5
- Distillery
- Auchroisk
- Bottler
- Sansibar
- Type
- Single Malt
- Region
- Speyside
- Country
- Scotland
- Age
- 12 years
- Strength
- 60.8% ABV
- Character
- floral
Tasting
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.
Verdicts
Marcel
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
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.
What it is worth
We do not yet hold bottle-level auction results — that sits behind Whisky Hunter’s authenticated feed. What follows is the market for Auchroisk as a whole, which sets the weather for this bottling without pricing it.
Latest mean bid £78 across 53 lots · 2024-08