Glenallachie 13 Year Madeira Wood Finish (Cask Strength)

Review #033 Type: single malt scotch Proof: 54.3% Comments: aged 13 years, American oak maturation, madeira barrique finish Tasted after: first up Appearance (no score): Tawny color. Unable to assess legs due to what appeared to be a water-repellent coating on the tasting glass. Nose: 14/20 Sweet and spicy, with a notable alcohol presence. Bold cinnamon, reminiscent of rye whisky, with undertones of raisins and gingerbread. Palate: 29/40 Black tea, lemon peel, and dark chocolate. Lacking complexity and semi-sweet, perhaps with a hint of pineapple, but otherwise no significant fruit flavors stand out. Finish: 36/40 Long and complex, this is where the dram truly excels. It presents an intriguing combination of black pepper and dark chocolate initially, followed by a fleeting hint of grapefruit before being dominated by cinnamon, concluding with an acceptable, slightly salty note. With Water: A small addition of water introduces some apricot to the palate and softens the finish somewhat. Total: 79/100 Final thoughts: While the nose and palate flavors didn't impress me, this is a dram worth drinking for its exceptional finish. My gratitude to my brother for the sample. Price: gifted sample Would recommend: perhaps Would buy: perhaps Scoring Legend: 96-100: The perfect dram, absolutely exceptional, nectar of the gods, I will savor this bottle and make it last, 5 stars. 90-95: Near perfect, there is something truly special about this whisky, 4.75 stars. 85-89: Very good to amazing, almost the complete product, 4.5 stars. 80-84: Quite good, very enjoyable to drink, but doesn’t wow me, 4.25 stars. 75-79: Good, enjoyable but ultimately flawed, unlikely to purchase again, 4 stars. 70-74: A solid dram, but wouldn't go out of my way to get it, 3.75 stars. 55-69: Drinkable, 3.5-2.75 stars. Below 55: Suitable for cooking or direct contribution to the kitchen sink drain, 2.5 stars or less.

Great viscous texture and a full mouthfeel with opulent flavors, yet it's bookended by a perfumed alcohol aroma and a finish that's a bit unpleasant and unexpected to still detect in a 13-year-old spirit.

The nose and palate feature many dried fruits. The finish is long. This was freshly opened; I plan to taste it again in a few days. A very promising initial impression.