Auchroisk - Bourbon Finish - Murray McDavid - 44.5%
This Auchroisk Bourbon Finish bottled by Murray McDavid at 44.5% reveals a particularly indulgent and approachable facet of this Speyside single malt. The pale gold color with honey highlights suggests a bright and precise whisky, marked by the gentle imprint of the bourbon cask. The nose opens with notes of creamy vanilla, light honey, and malted cereal, supported by touches of crisp apple, juicy pear, and a hint of citrus zest. In the background, nuances of blond caramel, subtle coconut, and soft oak add depth without ever weighing down the profile. The balance between the distillate's fruit and the indulgence of American oak is immediately very harmonious. From the first whiffs, you perceive a single malt designed for purity and immediate pleasure.
On the palate, the attack is smooth and caressing, carried by the moderate strength of 44.5% which favors aromatic expression rather than raw power. The mid-palate unfolds a satiny texture, blending vanilla, acacia honey, butter biscuit, and yellow fruits, with a lemony note that brings liveliness. The bourbon signature translates into notes of vanilla oak, custard, and brown sugar, perfectly melded into the malt. A fine spicy thread, between white pepper and mild nutmeg, structures the whole and avoids any impression of easy sweetness. The alcohol warmth remains controlled, leaving room for aromatic volume and length. The finish, clean and persistent, returns to malt, vanilla, and a delicate woody impression.
This Auchroisk Bourbon Finish by Murray McDavid appeals both to curious enthusiasts wanting to discover the distillery and to fans of well-integrated bourbon cask finishes. Tasted neat or with a few drops of water, it gains complexity, revealing additional touches of stone fruits, honey, and polished oak. It naturally finds its place at the end of a meal, alone in the glass, but can also accompany indulgent pairings such as caramelized apple dessert, pear crumble, or lightly sweetened milk chocolate. Its soft, precise, and clear style makes it an excellent companion to introduce the world of independent single malts without sacrificing depth. The Murray McDavid touch is found in this bottling that plays the card of harmony and controlled indulgence. It is a whisky of serious pleasure, both accessible and nuanced enough to hold the attention of discerning palates.
