Levi KeswickKey Takeaways:
- Buchanan’s Two Souls is a blended Scotch whisky with a unique aging process.
- The whisky’s distinct flavor profile is attributed to additional maturation in ex-Don Julio tequila barrels.
- Although not a top-shelf offering, Buchanan’s Two Souls is highly sought after for its uniqueness and relatively affordable price.
- Buchanan’s Two Souls is compared with other renowned Scotch whiskies in terms of taste, quality, and price.
Intricacies of Buchanan’s Two Souls Blended Scotch Whisky
Buchanan’s Two Souls stands out as an unconventional blended Scotch whisky. The blend’s defining character lies in its unique maturation process. After being aged in standard whisky casks, it is further matured in former Don Julio tequila barrels, infusing the blend with a different flavor profile.
Decoding the History & Origin
The brand Buchanan is named after its founder, James Buchanan, a whisky entrepreneur who set out on a quest to create a blended whisky in 1879. His goal was to craft a blend that is smooth, light, less peated, and aligns with the English palate.
Founded in 1884, Buchanan started his company from Scotland and London, later expanding to Latin America. Today, the Buchanan Scotch whiskies, alongside other expressions from the company, continue to make their mark worldwide.
Breaking Down the Production Process
The creation of Buchanan’s Two Souls involves meticulous processes, including malting, mashing, and fermentation, using the brand’s proprietary grain recipe. The Scotch whisky is then distilled and aged in an oak wood cask for three years.
The blend’s uniqueness comes from its extended maturation in ex-Don Julio tequila barrels, which imparts a complex and lively flavor to the whisky. The blend comprises malted barley and unmalted cereals like wheat and maize.
Ownership & Distillery: A Glimpse into the Legacy
The brand Buchanan, now owned by Diageo, a multinational beverage alcohol company, is responsible for producing Two Souls. It was initially a part of John Dewar & Sons before broadening its scope to Distillers Company Ltd, the predecessor to Diageo.
A Sensory Experience: Tasting Notes of Buchanan’s Two Souls
Buchanan’s Two Souls offers a unique and complex flavor experience. The palate introduces a blend of spicy, salty notes coupled with rich caramel, vanilla, candy, apple, and citrus flavors. The nose greets you with a scent reminiscent of Don Julio, with bold undertones of vanilla, milk chocolate, and sugarcane. The whisky dons a golden amber hue, and the finish is short, carrying a hint of saltiness.
How Does Buchanan’s Two Souls Fare: A Comparative Analysis
The Buchanan’s 2 souls price is considered affordable when pitted against some other renowned Scotch whiskies. A 750 mL bottle averages around $38.
Chivas Regal 18 Year Old, a premium Scotch whisky, known for its luxurious and velvety flavor profile, costs roughly double, at around $84.99 for a 750 mL bottle.
Ballantine’s 30-Year-Old Scotch whisky is more of a luxury buy at approximately $499.99 for a 750 mL bottle. Its premium taste, satisfying aroma, and long finish set it apart.
For a lighter, aromatic, and full-flavored option, Dewar’s Double Double Aged whisky costs around $109.99 for a 350 mL bottle.
Frequently Asked Questions about Buchanan’s Two Souls
Two Souls Buchanan, although not a top-shelf whisky, is recognized for its quality, taste, and affordability. Despite being harder to find since it is no longer available on Buchanan’s website, it can still be procured from local liquor stores, particularly in Mexico.
Final Reflections
Buchanan’s Two Souls Scotch Whisky is a unique blend that brings the best of both worlds – Scotch and tequila. The additional maturation in ex-Don Julio tequila barrels impacts the tasting notes and aroma subtly but significantly. Despite not being as pricey as other top-shelf whiskies, its rarity and distinctive flavor profile make it a sought-after spirit. So, if you’re up for an unusual whisky experience, it’s time to pour yourself a glass of Buchanan’s Two Souls.
