Distilled in April of 2007 this Glenallachie has spent 10 years maturing in a 1st fill ex-bourbon barrel. Young & Spritely Profile.
Nose: A warming mix of buttery biscuits, fresh apples, marzipan, and vanilla pods. It opens nicely in the glass after a few minutes of resting to present light florals and cut grass. The addition of water brings out a strong baked apple aroma and some underlying earthiness in the form of wet leaves.
Taste: Sharp and zingy fruitiness – I does indeed zip on the tongue as promised. Tart citrus and grapefruit are joined by earthy spices (allspice) and a good lick of salt. It’s quite woody and therefore vanilla presents itself quickly, but resting offers a deeper affair with sponge cake and hints of chocolate and tobacco. Water reduces the vigour and fizz of the fruits (as one might expect), but brings out further cask influence in the form of ginger and freshly ground pepper.
Finish: Medium in length and filled with a combination of buttery vanilla, slight oak astringency and a fair salinity.
Whilst still rather youthful in places, this Glenallachie presents a lively and enjoyable palate that would make for a good opener to an evening. Fresh, fruity and with a nice touch of salinity, the zingy nature of this whisky is rather fun