With the recent release of the first official rebranded Glenallachies under Billy Walker’s rein, we thought we’d try the latest Society example. This example has spent 9 years maturing in an ex-oloroso butt. Spicy & Dry profile.
Nose: Sherry, yes of course. But also a full Sunday roast with all the trimmings – topside of beef, dripping chips, rich gravy and roasted root vegetables. These are greeted by more ‘normal’ sherry aromas – chocolate, caramel, a host of dried berries figs and raisins. The addition of water adds even more of a greenhouse effect – more ripened berries, but also more vegetables (sun-dried tomatoes and sunflower seeds). A fascinating combination.
Taste: Rich and viscous delivering treacle, chocolate, soured cherries and a good measure of balsamic vinegar. The mid-palate again goes down the meaty path – beef stock, finishing jus and rendered fats. Water softens the fruit elements and adds further sherry influenced flavours – coffee grounds, raisins and sponge cake.
Finish: Medium in length, with chocolate, cinnamon and nutmeg.
This Glenallachie has the colour of a sherry-bomb, but, there’s more than meets the eye here. Despite all the sherried goodness going on (and there is plenty of that), what I liked the most about this whisky was the additional aromas, favours, tones and graduations which make this both less sweet than your ‘run of the mill’ sherried number, as well as adding some surprising depths and nuances to explore. Optimus Prime would be proud.