GlenAllachie 12 Year Pedro Ximenez Sherry Wood Finish

Aroma - Sweet, crystallized ginger and raisin with spicy sweetness, like dark apple juice Palate - Sweet, crystallized ginger tingle/warmth, caramel apples, raisins, light raisins Finish - Lingering tingle/warmth, sweetness like apple juice, subtle light raisins Score - 83/100 Final Thoughts - If I hadn't known this was finished in PX casks, I wouldn't have suspected it at all. I don't detect any dark raisin or syrupy dark stone fruit notes from beginning to end. This drinks like a standard sherry-finished blended Scotch to me. Nothing unpleasant, but it doesn't stand out either. It's nice to drink, and that's the extent of it. You tend to forget about it mere moments after consumption. Easily sippable, but not memorable. Would I drink it if offered? - Yes Would I specifically order it? - No Would I buy a bottle? - No

I believe this is my first GlenAllachie review from the post-Billy Walker era, also known as the period when GlenAllachie's name was changed to GlenAllachie in a Flintstones-style font. This sample comes from my good friend. There's a pleasant balance here, with sweet aromas of baked breads and fruit. The PX finish contributes positively. The taste mirrors the aroma, with the addition of some oak notes. Overall, it's a well-balanced whisky and reasonably priced to compete with Balvenie 12, some young GlenDronach, and other Speyside whiskies. I find this to be more expensive than GlenDronach and Balvenie, so I would favor those at a similar age statement. However, if they are in the same price range, I'd choose GlenDronach over this, and this over Balvenie 12. Thanks for the generous sample!

GlenAllachie 12 Year Old PX Sherry Cask Finish 48% ABV 10 years in American oak, then 2 years finished in PX sherry casks. Nose: It has a slightly bitter, packed sensation like the peel of a green tangerine. Despite being 48% ABV, it feels closed off like a higher proof spirit that hasn't opened up. Adding 1-2 drops of water, not waiting for it to open, reveals a smoky oak aroma reminiscent of unsweetened sherry wine, but the flavors don't quite bloom. Vanilla is present with a slippery, oily texture. The aroma when tasting is a mix of 2% chocolate and 98% bitter notes of rubber and raw wood. Taste: Thick, less sweet chocolate, similar to 72-80% cacao. Smoky, slightly burnt toast, cooked green vegetables, spices, and an ambiguous sourness that makes you question if it's spoiled - like kimchi broth? Unbelievable... Finish: The alcohol feels somewhat unintegrated, but there are notes of tart raisins, toffee, and spices present. One-line review: *Compared to GlenAllachie 10 Year Old Cask Strength, this is a significant disappointment, requiring a journey to experience the difference. *It would have been better if it wasn't advertised as a PX Sherry finish (feat. a popular song).

Aroma: Rich dried fruits like sultanas, raisins, and Christmas cake, with a sherry influence. (Allowing it to breathe reveals banana notes as well.) Palate: More fruit flavors alongside a strong presence of ripe banana. Finish: Rich and warming, but not especially long. The banana lingers, accompanied by some floral honey, which then gives way to a hint of citrus.

Intense berry and plum aromas. The berries carry through on the palate, accompanied by some smoky barbecue notes and a funky rum essence. It mellows and becomes more approachable with water, so don't hesitate to add some as it holds up well. The finish is quite short. Keep an eye out for this exceptional bottling from a skilled producer in the future.

Strong sherry influence. The aroma is of sweet red wine, shortbread, and cinnamon graham crackers. It has a full body. Abundant flavors of raisin, citrus, honey, heather, and black pepper. The finish is rich with chocolate and fruit. I'm a big admirer of this spirit.