This is the second batch of the GlenAllachie 10 Year Old, which is the Cask Strength edition. It is a mix of first-fill bourbon casks, Oloroso, Pedro Ximénez and virgin oak.
GlenAllachie 10 yo ‘Cask Strength’ (54,8%, OB 2019, Batch #2)
GlenAllachie 10 yo ‘Cask Strength’ (54,8%, OB 2019, Batch #2)Nose: a green fruitiness, rather bright. Fresh pineapple, apples and grapefruit. Then some leafy notes, fennel, maybe sage. Vanilla and plenty of ginger. There’s a hint of white flowers that keeps growing stronger, with the punchy alcohol it becomes quite heady. Nice marshmallow if you add water.
Mouth: wow, sharp and pungent. Oily notes, a lot of woody bitterness with herbs and spices (cloves, rosemary, juniper). Hints of quinine. A bit too much really. Water brings out citrus green tea, ginger and this floral note again.
Finish: quite long, with lemon peel, grapefruit and ginger.
The alcohol in this GlenAllachie is fairly sharp and the (virgin) woody side makes it a tad aggressive. The GlenAllachie 12 is still my recommendation if you’re interested in trying the new range from this distillery. Available from Master of Malt and The Whisky Exchange among others.
Score: 81/100