Whisky Review/Tasting: Aultmore 12 Foggie Moss

Physical Whisky Characteristics

Origin: Speyside, Scotland
Type: Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Distillation and Maturation: Distilled in handmade copper pot stills since 1897. The whisky is aged for 12 years, with a mix of first and second fill ex-bourbon casks used for maturation.
Age Statement: 12 years
ABV: 46%
Color and Clarity: Natural color from cask wood, with slight variations in hue considered normal. Non-chill filtered, which allows for cloudiness if ice is added.
Bottle Design: The bottle and packaging feature imagery and references to the distillery's foggy and mysterious location, including fog, moors, and the distillery's secluded setting. Each bottle is uniquely numbered, indicating a large batch size.

Balance of Flavors: Begins very sweet, transitioning to spiciness from the oak and maltiness, with vanilla becoming stronger. The fruit notes are present throughout.
Unique Characteristics: Described as having a smooth, clean taste with no hint of peat smoke. The flavor profile includes ripe fruit, oakiness reminiscent of the south of France, and a hint of vanilla. The aftertaste is long and distinct.
Comparison: Noted as a hidden jewel among Speyside whiskies, it is considered different from typical Speyside single malts, contributing a significant and unique influence to blends.

Anecdotes: The distillery's history of being shrouded in mystery, with references to fog, ghosts, and bootlegging activities. The narrative includes the smuggling of whisky by locals using "thin dog legs" containers hidden in boots.
Trivia: The distillery's location was once known for smugglers and illicit stills, with the foggy moss concealing the water source.

Historical Context: Founded in 1897, Aultmore Distillery is one of the later distilleries established in Scotland. Its secluded site and the surrounding foggy moss have played a significant role in the distillery's history and storytelling.
Geographical Features: The distillery's location in Speyside, a region known for its whisky production, and its proximity to the Bucky Road, add to its cultural and geographical significance.

"This is a hidden jewel. Not that I would say it is one of the best. No, it's different and that is what matters." - Horst Luening
"Natural color takes its color from our cask wood so slightly varied hues are normal." - Emphasizing the importance of natural color variation in single malt whiskies.

Aultmore 12 Foggie Moss is a 12-year-old Speyside single malt Scotch whisky, notable for its natural color, non-chill filtered process, and unique flavor profile.
The whisky offers a smooth, clean taste with no peat smoke, featuring notes of ripe fruit, oak, and vanilla.
The distillery's history includes intriguing stories of fog, mystery, and bootlegging.
Aultmore 12 is considered a hidden jewel among Speyside whiskies, offering a distinct and different flavor profile that significantly influences blends.
The whisky's cultural and geographical significance is tied to its late 19th-century founding and its location in the Speyside region.

Whisky Collectors: Due to its unique bottle numbering and limited edition nature, collectors may find Aultmore 12 Foggie Moss an attractive addition.
Speyside Enthusiasts: Those who appreciate the smooth, clean flavors typical of Speyside whiskies but are looking for something with a unique twist.
Beginners: The non-peaty, smooth, and sweet profile makes it accessible for newcomers to Scotch whisky.
Experienced Whisky Drinkers: Individuals seeking a different and distinct flavor profile from the Speyside region, beyond the typical offerings.