Auchentoshan – 25 Years 1997 XOP Old Particular (70cl, 53.3%)

This is a 25 year old Auchentoshan single malt from the Xtra Old Particular range of the independent bottler Douglas Laing. It was distilled in May 1997 and bottled in March 2023 at a natural cask strength of 53.3%, in a 70cl bottle. It matured in a refill hogshead, and 193 bottles were filled. It is non-chill-filtered and of natural colour. Auchentoshan is one of the few Scottish distilleries to distil three times. The nose opens with honey and cream, followed by clean mint and citrus. The palate stays minty and silky, with autumn fruit, crushed sugar and spice. The fruity finish is lightly caramelised, with honey, barley, cocoa and oak.