Aroisk? Auchusk? Arusk?
Another mini from auction and another bit of digging around
to get more information. This bottle was a new one on me but it didn’t take much
sleuthing before I stumbled across this…
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| Bigger than a miniature |
So – it’s pronounced “OH-thrusk” (well, of course). Distilled in 1975 and
bottled around 1990 and apparently a “very rare collectors dram”. It seems I’ve
inadvertently been very discerning with my choice of random minis. And I’ve accidently
popped open a mini-goldmine . Ah well, that’s what it’s there for.
Giving this a try I got lots of sherry right away. No sign
of the “old smell” or mustiness I’ve had
previously with old bottles. There’s not loads else on the nose but very mild
and clean. No burn, easy-going.
Tasting it there is a nice coating. Very oily and slightly
carbony, almost gritty. Going in again it is literally like eating chocolate raisins.
It has the dried fruit richness and intensity you can get with sherry casks.
Looks fantastic too - a thoroughly appealing deep reddy
colour.
A drop of water brought out the more floral notes on the nose
as well as a bit of menthol. A bit of treacle toffee towards the end.
It’s
mellow and relaxing. An unobtrusive wee dram. I think it could have benefited
from being bottled a higher strength but I guess that ship sailed 25 years ago.
It seems full bottles of this go for about £200 and minis
for £20 which is pretty steep. Glad I didn’t know that before opening it.
I’m enjoying trying out old bottles of whisky, they are exciting to
explore but couldn’t recommend this at
that price. But it is very nice and worth trying if you get the chance (in a bundle of minis at auction for
example).
WW
