Auchentoshan 21 Year Old (Old Labeling)
70cl / 43%
£199.00
- Malt type: Single Malt
- Region: Scotland
- Coloring: Yes
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A classic Lowland triple-distilled expression defined by the exquisite balance of long-term sherry and bourbon maturation.
| Field | Details |
| Distillery / Bottler / Country & Region | Auchentoshan Distillery / Scotland, Lowlands |
| Category | Single Malt Scotch Whisky |
| Age / Vintage / Bottled | 21 Years / NAS / Old Labeling (pre-2016) |
| ABV & Size(s) | 43% ABV, 70cl |
| Cask / Treatment | American Bourbon and Spanish Sherry Casks |
| Natural Colour | Not stated by the producer |
| Non-Chill-Filtered | Believed NCF or minimally filtered for stability |
| Cask Strength | No |
| Bottle count / Outturn | Ongoing core range expression |
| Intended channel | Premium Retail, Specialist Whisky Merchants |
| Packaging | Old style presentation, distinct from current (post-2016) design |
| Notes on discrepancies | Collectibility based entirely on the "Old Labeling" aesthetic/era. |
Historical Context
Auchentoshan is unique in Scotch whisky for its commitment to triple distillation, resulting in a light, elegant, and subtle new-make spirit. The 21 Year Old expression, carrying a high age statement, represents a pinnacle.
The extended aging period of 21 years is a technical necessity for the triple-distilled spirit to achieve depth and complexity through extensive contact with both American Bourbon and Spanish Sherry Casks. The "Old Labeling" aesthetic (pre-2016) drives a verifiable secondary market premium over subsequently labelled releases.
Technical Specification & Variant Map
The key technical feature is the dual maturation system, combining American Bourbon and Spanish Sherry Casks. This regime imparts specific, complementary flavour profiles: Bourbon delivers sweet vanilla, while Sherry contributes deeper spice and tobacco elements. The standard bottling strength is 43% ABV.
| Product | ABV | Volume | Market | Era Cues | Relative Desirability |
| Auchentoshan 21 YO (Old Label) | 43% | 70cl/75cl | Global | Pre-2016 aesthetic | High (Aesthetic/Era Premium) |
Packaging & authenticity checklist
Sourcing the "Old Labeling" requires meticulous verification, focusing on the specific visual aesthetic. The value is largely aesthetic and era-based; therefore, damage to the main label or the integrity of the outer presentation box will drastically reduce secondary market valuation.
Regulatory/terminology notes
The primary defining characteristic is its production method: triple distillation. This method intrinsically links the liquid to the Lowland region and dictates its character, which is lighter and more refined.
Liquid Profile (from verifiable notes)
The profile is distinguished by the perfect harmony achieved between the light, floral malt base and the extensive dual-cask influence.
- Nose: High notes of distinct vanilla, sweet honeycomb, and a clear presence of citrus zest. These notes are underlain by a subtle floral or grassy freshness, typical characteristics of the Lowland style.
- Palate: Exceptionally elegant and soft, delivered with a smooth mouthfeel. Immediate flavours of sweet vanilla and subtle oak spice evolve into complex layers of baked apples, light grass or hay, and a recognisable note of cured tobacco leaf.
- Finish: Medium to long and exceptionally clean. Successfully carries the complexity of the integrated oak and spice, concluding with a lingering citrus sweetness.
- With water: Often enhances the primary vanilla and citrus notes, further emphasising the subtle, lighter spirit character.
Pricing & Market Dynamics (GBP)
- Original RRP (GBP): Historical and non-applicable.
- Current UK retail range (GBP, incl. VAT): The current 21 Year Old serves as a baseline RRP ($\text{£190 - £230}$), but the Old Labeling trades above this.
- Recent UK/EU auction range (GBP, hammer): Reflects the high collector premium.
- Pricing stratification: Highly sensitive to the physical condition of the labels and the integrity of the original presentation case.
- Liquidity $\to$ sourcing note: Liquidity is stable and consistent due to ongoing global demand, intensified by the era-specific scarcity of the Old Labeling.
| Channel | Date | Bottle spec | Price (GBP) | Notes |
| Retail (UK) | Q1 2024 | Current 21 YO Label | £190 - £230 | Baseline RRP for comparison |
| Auction (UK/EU) | Q4 2023 | Old Label, Pristine Boxed | £350 - £550 | Significant collector premium applied |
Distillery/Bottler Snapshot
Auchentoshan is globally regarded as the benchmark for traditional triple-distilled Lowland style. The 21 Year Old has historically been positioned as the ultimate demonstration of the distillery’s ability to achieve profound depth and complexity through extended maturation.
Sourcing
Target formats/eras: Sourcing must be focused specifically on bottles featuring the pre-2016 label design.
Red flags to avoid: The primary concern is confusing a specific liquid batch with new packaging; precise verification that the aesthetic elements match the documented era is mandatory.
Condition thresholds: Pristine outer packaging and full label integrity are essential, as the premium valuation relies heavily on the aesthetic and historical provenance.
Margin/velocity expectations: Moderate margin expectations are standard, accompanied by excellent velocity for perfectly preserved, fully boxed examples.
