Origin: Speyside (Scotland)
Type: Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Strength: 59.4%ABV
Ageing casks: Ex-Sherry Oloroso, ex-Pedro Ximénez, new, ex-Rioja wine
Chillfiltered: No
Added coloring: No
Owner: The GlenAllachie Distillers Co Limited
Average price: € 75.00
Official website: theglenallachie.com
Vote: 88/100
First version of the cask strength ten-year-old with the new label, released in early 2024, with the usual mix of casks like the previous editions of this series that began in 2017. Little to add to what has already been said in the tastings of the previous batches, except that each year we get closer and closer to the distillate produced under Billy Walker’s current management, having to wait until at least 2027 to have the first drops made according to his dictates inside.
Tasting Notes
On the nose, the lack of alcohol leaves room for sherried notes with plenty of ripe red fruits, sour cherries, dried figs, plums, nutmeg and cinnamon. A sulphurous vein runs through the aromas, leading them towards citrus tones (blood orange), liquorice root, muscovado sugar, balsamic vinegar, Catalan cream, milk chocolate. It becomes softer over time, with an underlying balsamic afflatus. Full-bodied.
The palate starts with a spicy peak of black pepper, ginger and nutmeg over a dense, oily body, into which the acidulous and sweet notes of red fruits, dried fruit, fondant, nuts, citrus fruits, candied coconut and caramel are inserted, fully consistent with the nose. Liquorice (sweet) and tamarind syrup emerge in the background, still showing its vegetal and balsamic side along the length.
The finish is quite long where the vegetal and balsamic notes characterise those of red fruits, liquorice, chocolate and nuts with a slight spiciness.
An edition that confirms itself as excellent in the quality/price ratio, hard to find a cask strength whisky of this level that is so affordable for the wallet, and just as satisfying and full in the drink.