The GlenAllachie, 1990
The GlenAllachie has built a reputation for excellent cask management under master distiller Billy Walker, and this release only elevates it further. This release draws from four cask types: virgin Mizunara, virgin American oak, PX sherry, and Oloroso sherry. All from the same year. Managing that kind of complexity across three and a half decades takes great skill. The result is a heavily sherried whisky, but one with enough finesse to avoid feeling heavy-handed.
Nose
Caramel, custard, grilled pineapple, walnuts
Palate
Dark chocolate, cranberries, honey
Finish
Oak spice, dark chocolate
On the nose, sweet spices and caramel lead. Think sticky toffee pudding drenched in custard, followed by pineapple cake and caramelized walnuts. The palate brings high-quality dark chocolate and dried fruit. A couple of drops of water open things up considerably, pulling out blossom honey and sandalwood before the aged oak spices take over for a long, warming finish. Bottled at cask strength (50.2% ABV), it’s approachable as-is, but I’d recommend two or three drops per measure to get the most from it.
Style
Details
The GlenAllachie, 1990
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