Nose: Fruity esters lead, with a resonating note of fragrant malt. There’s a balance of sweet and savoury, with vanilla nougat, milky coffee and salted chocolate. A rush of complex nuttiness rises, with toasted almonds, peanut brittle and roasted chestnuts. Subtle smoke and a good whack of cinnamon are a persistent aroma.
Palate: The palate begins with almost resinous sherried elements, with notes of fizzy apple, honeyed oak, pear drops and candied pineapple being most prominent. With layers of toffee sauce, there are ripples of clove spice and waxy gingersnaps in the backdrop. Charred, meaty oak carries throughout, as the subtle smoke continues with a BBQ quality.
Finish: A fascinating finish brings raspberry vinegar and hazelnut butter. Lovely.
Overall: Oodles of personality while retaining some distillery character, this is a really very delicious Glenallachie. It shall make a fantastic Highball!