Auchroisk 10 Year Old - Flora and Fauna Review

Stepping into the world of Speyside whiskies, we've got a rather intriguing bottle on our hands today: the Auchroisk 10 Year Old, part of the Flora and Fauna series. This line is known for highlighting the character of lesser-known distilleries, and Auchroisk is certainly one that deserves a spotlight. So let's dive in and see what this whisky is all about.

• ABV: 43%
• Price: £47.90

First Impressions

The packaging of the Flora and Fauna series has always been charming, with illustrations that evoke a natural, almost storybook quality. The Auchroisk 10 doesn't stray from this path, presenting itself in a quaint and unassuming manner. Cracking open the bottle, the whisky greets you with a warm amber hue, hinting at a cozy experience ahead.

The Flavour Journey

On the nose, Auchroisk 10 is pleasantly fruity with a touch of floral notes — think ripe apples and a whisper of wildflowers. There's a sweetness there, reminiscent of honey or maybe even a bit of vanilla, which makes it quite inviting.

Taking the first sip, the fruitiness continues, but it's balanced with a nice oakiness from the decade it spent in the barrels. There's a bit of a spicy kick, but nothing overpowering; more like a gentle nudge of cinnamon and maybe a hint of nutmeg. The sweetness on the nose carries through to the palate, with a malty character that adds depth.

The finish is medium, leaving you with a satisfying warmth and a lingering sweetness that makes you want to go back for just one more sip.

Value for Money

At just under £50, Auchroisk 10 Year Old is a solid buy. It's not the cheapest bottle on the shelf, but for a whisky of this age and quality, you're getting a good deal. It's approachable enough for newcomers to enjoy, yet has enough complexity to keep seasoned whisky drinkers interested.

Similar Whiskies

If you're a fan of the Auchroisk 10, you might also enjoy whiskies like the BenRiach 10 Year Old or the Balvenie DoubleWood 12 Year Old. Both offer that lovely balance of fruit and oak, with their own unique twists.

The Distillery and Brand

Auchroisk isn't the most famous name in Speyside, but it has been quietly producing whisky since 1974. The distillery is known for its clean, light spirit, which makes it a great candidate for a gentler aging process. The Flora and Fauna series has been a great way for whisky lovers to get to know distilleries like Auchroisk, which might otherwise fly under the radar.

Conclusion

The Auchroisk 10 Year Old is a delightful Speyside single malt that offers a great introduction to the distillery's style. It's a whisky that doesn't demand your full attention but rewards you when you give it.

Rating: 4/5

Summary: The Auchroisk 10 Year Old - Flora and Fauna delivers a lovely Speyside experience at a reasonable price point. With its fruity and floral notes, balanced sweetness, and a touch of spice, it's a bottle that's sure to please a wide range of palates. It's not quite perfection, but it's a damn good dram that you'll likely find yourself reaching for time and time again.