Auchroisk 10 years Flora & Fauna

The Auchroisk 10 years from the iconic Flora & Fauna range is a hidden gem of Speyside. The name, pronounced “Oth-rusk,” translates to “ford of the red stream” in Gaelic, referring to the nearby Burn of Mulben. Once a key player in blends, this single malt truly shines on its own. Fruity, rounded, and delicately spiced – it’s a whisky for those in the know.

Tasting Notes

Nose

Fresh and fruity with aromas of green apple, pear, vanilla, and soft spice. Hints of nuts and grassy undertones.

Palate

Smooth and rounded, offering stewed apples, light honey, toffee, and gentle cinnamon and white pepper.

Finish

Medium in length, slightly dry, with notes of oak, almonds, and a touch of citrus zest.

Flora & Fauna Series

In a world where big names often steal the spotlight, Diageo's Flora & Fauna series is a quiet hero. This particular series was launched in the 1990s to give a stage to lesser-known distilleries within the group's portfolio. Think of names like Auchroisk, Benrinnes, Dailuaine or Inchgower - distilleries that usually disappear in blends, but shine in this series as Single Malt.

What makes this series so charming is its combination of quality, character and simplicity. Each bottle carries a label with an elegant drawing of a flora or fauna scene (hence the name), symbolic of the nature surrounding the distillery in question. The whiskies themselves are often not too heavily filtered, bottled at 43% alcohol, and matured in classic casks such as ex-bourbon or sherry casks - without excessive frills, but with plenty of authenticity.

Flora & Fauna bottlings are loved by collectors and whisky enthusiasts who love discovering something unique, something "off the beaten path". It is like getting a peek behind the scenes of Scotland's whisky world - a world that is not just about marketing, but more importantly about craft and taste.

In short: the Flora & Fauna series is a loving tribute to the silent workhorses of the whisky world. Honest, pure and with its own voice - exactly as single malt is meant to be.

Auchroisk Distillery

Auchroisk Distillery is located in the heart of the Speyside region, near the village of Mulben in Banffshire, Scotland. Founded in 1974, Auchroisk is a relatively young distillery that has quickly gained a reputation for producing high-quality single malt whiskies, particularly for the blended whisky industry. The name "Auchroisk" means "the ford of the red brook" in Gaelic, referring to the nearby source of pure water used in the production process.

A unique feature of Auchroisk is the use of water from nearby Dorie's Well, which contributes to the purity and character of their whiskies. Auchroisk whiskies are known for their fresh and fruity flavour profiles, with notes of apple, pear, citrus and a subtle spiciness. The distillery uses traditional copper pot stills and a slow distillation process, ensuring a rich and balanced spirit.

The whiskies are mainly matured in a mix of ex-bourbon and sherry casks, creating a complex and layered flavour experience. The combination of an idyllic location, modern techniques and a strong focus on quality makes Auchroisk a respected name in the world of Scotch whisky.