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millwatermaltofthemonth Auchentoshan 12-year-old Single Malt ScotchWhisky Auchentoshan Distillery produces single malt whisky in the west lowlands of Scotland and the name Auchentoshan is Scots Gaelic – translating as “the corner of the field.” The Auchentoshan is also known as “Glasgow’s Malt Whisky” due to its close proximity to Glasgow; and “The Breakfast Whisky” due to its sweet and delicate nature. Normal distilling practice in Ireland but unusual for a Scottish distillery, Auchentoshan employs triple distillation. Generally, the final stage of Scotch whisky production involves distilling the fermented mash in two copper stills. In Auchentoshan, a third still known as the “Intermediate Still” helps to gives a spirit strength of 81% ABV (162 proof ). This triple distillation, in addition to an unpeated malt, gives Auchentoshan a more delicate and sweet flavour than many Scotch whiskies. Maturation is mainly in ex-bourbon barrels and ex-sherry butts, though some Auchentoshans will mature in French wine casks. The 12-year-old is smooth, fresh and nutty, with a honey-gold appearance. Nose: Crème Brulée with a burst of citrus and the signature nuttiness and green-leafiness of Auchentoshan. Palate: Smooth, a little sweet barley, with hints of tangerine and lime. Finish: Very long, with a hint of ginger now, slightly drying, with a pleasant sweetness from the barley. More, please!
outtolunch Black Sugar Grill - Mission Bay a main, or $35 including dessert – but also including a glass of excellent house wine, beer or juice, and accompanied by freshly buttered garlic bread to start. There were many diners there, including a birthday group of a certain age and another wedding anniversary group. It’s obviously a popular spot!
Purely by chance, we took a trip along Tamaki Drive towards St Heliers and stopped in Mission Bay to admire the view and watch the dancing fountain on the foreshore reserve. Thoughts later turned to lunch, so we strolled along the length of the main Mission Bay shopping and dining area, looking for somewhere a little different. We got our eye on the Black Sugar Grill at No.1 Atkins Avenue, and decided to give it a try. What a good choice that turned out to be! Set menu at $25 for
‘Management’ chose the panko crumbed whole chicken breast schnitzel, shallot port jus, cherry and Sambuca relish and potato croquette. I decided on the pan-fried roasted fillet of market fish (monk fish), served with home-made pickled lemon and chive hollandaise sauce and potato croquette. Neither disappointed on quality, presentation, taste or value. Indeed, we needed a few minutes afterwards, before deciding to have the dessert. We both opted for the white chocolate Crème Brulée with Hokey Pokey ice cream – again, an excellent choice; super-crispy caramelised top above the delicious home-made custard The service on pristine white linen tablecloths was every bit as good as the excellent meal. This is one to remember if you are ever out at Mission Bay and fancy a great value meal in very pleasant surroundings. A full á la carte menu is also available.
