Glenallachie 12yo (46%, Duncan Taylor NC2 D’1995 B’2007)

On the nose there is some very nice peppery malt and some nice wine notes. These are complimented by some vanilla bean, citrus (think grapefruit not lemon) and then some good notes associated with the oak casks (lumber yard and red cedar) and perhaps a little resin & heather for some zest. All in all very pleasant in an unchallenging fashion. A tantalizing hint of smoked fruit. The taste is big and very good; now the oak notes are more aggressive (tobacco and leather) however there is nary a showing by the smoke however the citrus in the form of the grapefruit is very dominant. Quite dry towards the end and some really good malt moments along with some hints of Ovomaltine (if it’s unfamiliar to you seek it out on google). The finish shows the oak notes (leather and tobacco) along with some malt, the ever present grapefruit and some really very pleasant sugary sweetness. All rather long and very active; not a shy finish by any means.

A solid dram and very enjoyable.

$100

Score 85 points