Auchentoshan

Auchentoshan is among the last remaining distilleries still operating in the Lowlands . Founded in 1823 by John Bulloch as Duntocher , it lies in the heart of a region that once boasted iconic houses like Littlemill and Rosebank , but is now one of the least developed in Scotland . Nevertheless, a true revival is underway with the recent emergence of distilleries such as Daft Mill, Ailsa Bay, Kingsbarns, Annandale, Eden Mill , and Glasgow , while other projects are in development, making the region promising once again. Located just north of Glasgow , Auchentoshan is distinguished by a rare feature in Scotland: triple distillation , once common in the Lowlands, which gives its whiskies less power but more finesse and fruity notes .

This triple distillation, combined with a distillate collected at a very high proof, results in a single malt generally characterized by aromas of herbs and citrus . Located in the immediate vicinity of the major city in western Scotland, the distillery recently opened a visitor center, filling a long-standing gap.
Destroyed during the Second World War, it was rebuilt before changing ownership in 1969 with its purchase by Eadie Cairns , then being acquired in 1980 by Morrison Bowmore , now part of the Suntory group .

A large portion of Auchentoshan's production is destined for blenders . During the 1990s , its best-known expression, and almost the only one readily available, was the 10-year-old , which remains the distillery's benchmark to this day. From the 2000s onward, the range expanded with the arrival of Select , a NAS (no age statement), followed by Three Wood in 2002, and several other expressions. The water used for production comes from Loch Katrine , while cooling is provided by water from Loch Cochno . The distillery is equipped with three stills – a wash still, a spirit still, and a middle still dedicated to the second distillation – for an annual capacity of approximately 1.8 million liters of pure alcohol.

While Lowland malts often remain relatively unknown, Auchentoshan, like other distilleries, has gained popularity in major cities such as London and New York, driven by its proximity to urban centers and the rise of "urban" whisky. Its name comes from the Gaelic Auchadu Ossin, meaning "corner of a field." Light and silky on the palate, thanks in particular to the use of lightly peated malts and the mild Lowland climate, Auchentoshan offers an approachable, elegant, and enjoyable whisky . While it may lack character for some seasoned enthusiasts, it is frequently used in cocktails and is an excellent entry point for beginners, thanks to its smooth profile free of harshness or unpleasant notes . Read less