Auchroisk 13 Year Old 2009 Côte-Rôtie Cask Finish G&M

A 2009 Auchroisk single malt from independent bottler Gordon & MacPhail that was initially matured in a refill bourbon barrel, then finished in an ex-Côte-Rôtie cask for two years, before being bottled in November 2022, as part of its Connoisseurs Choice series. 

Côte-Rôtie is a French wine Appellation d'origine contrôlée (AOC) in the northern Rhône wine region of France. The vineyards are located just south of Vienne in the communes of Saint-Cyr-sur-le-Rhône, Ampuis, and Tupin-et-Semons.

The wines are red, made with Syrah grapes and up to 20% Viognier, a white grape used for its aroma. According to appellation rules, Syrah and Viognier (if used) must be fermented at the same time, a process known as co-fermentation. Because of this combination, Côte-Rôtie wine typically exhibits an almost paradoxical pairing of meat aromas (including bacon) and floral aromas.

Bottled from a small batch of barrels at a very approachable ABV of 45%, the 24 months spent in the Côte-Rôtie casks, at the end of its maturation, have resulted in a creamy and fruity single malt. Aromas of vanilla fudge, redcurrants and strawberry liquorice fill the nose, complemented by notes of summer berries, clementine, cinnamon and peppermint throughout the palate and lingering in the finish.

Auchroisk is one of Speyside’s lesser-known gems, a distillery whose spirit has long been prized by blenders but is now being increasingly appreciated as a distinctive single malt in its own right. Built in 1974 by Justerini & Brooks (J&B) to secure a reliable supply of malt for their blends, Auchroisk was one of the first new distilleries to open in Scotland in the 20th century and quickly earned a reputation for producing a clean, fruity spirit with a subtle complexity.

Auchroisk’s style is often described as clean, fresh, and fruity, with orchard fruit, citrus, and floral notes supported by gentle malt sweetness. Depending on maturation, it can also show honey, vanilla, and light spice from ex-bourbon barrels, or richer dried fruit and nutty tones from sherry casks.

This bottling is well regarded for balancing the fruity, ester-forward nature of Auchroisk with the savoury, red-berry characteristics of the Côte-Rôtie wine cask.

Official Tasting Notes

Nose: Rich caramel, ripe currants, summer pudding (berries), sweet citrus zest (tangerines/clementine), and a hint of warm brioche.

Palate: Sweet summer fruits, clementine, hints of roasted coffee beans, cinnamon, ginger, and a light creamy, herbal quality.

Finish: Medium length with soft spices, berries, and a touch of fresh mint.