Auchroisk Flora & Fauna 10 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

One of the last available releases from Diageo's dwindling series.
"...a solid bottling. Good for casual drinking. I'm glad it exists." - whiskybase.com

"Awkroisk" or "Ouchroisk"? Despite a name that's notoriously difficult to pronounce, this relatively new distillery (built in 1974) has garnered a quiet following. It's unusual to find because most of it disappears into the J&B blends. Single malts are rare, and were originally labelled as 'Singleton of Auchroisk'. Debuting in 2001, this is one of the only official bottlings (there have been less than a dozen in the distillery's history). It is arguably the most controversial of the Flora and Fauna series, and amongst the very last still doing the rounds via a small number of retailers globally. Over the years, some tasters have described 'off notes', others praise it for its subtle complexity that includes crème anglaise, cut grass, a delectable nuttiness and an unusual salty tang (sounds like your typical Auchroisk profile). Batch variation almost certainly plays a part. Future supply is not guaranteed, so if you're willing to take a punt on a new everyday drinker at a reasonable price, go for it!

Other reviews... Tangy orange on the nose, the malt amplified by a curious saltiness on the palate. 84 points - Jim Murrays Whisky Bible

...bready, softly salted. Simple but rounded and cohesive flavour. When I say it’s salty it’s a very integrated salt-crusted-bread sort of vibe – not brine or the intense alcoholic ‘saltiness’ you see in many whiskies. Pitched at a perfect level. Nicely put together, as most of the Flora and Fauna range are. I realise I haven’t said much to describe the flavour, which is a symptom of this whisky having such a subtle and cohesive one. You have to dig so hard to find the sweet liquorice, apple pie (crust-heavy), subtle spices, light woody nuances out of the semi-sweet, semi-dry, semi-salty whole. Gorgeous actually. 'Tickers' of any foods naturally gravitate towards the big bold flavours, but you have to appreciate something as nuanced, balanced, soft and simply as well-made as this while it’s in front of you. I’m sure there’s significant batch variation but this was surprisingly good. - whiskybase.com