Glenallachie 13 Year Rioja Wine Cask Finish

My latest review for the new Glenallachie Wine Cask Series is this Rioja Wine Finish, a 13-year-old expression bottled at 48% ABV. It truly seems that since Billy Walker took charge of this distillery, it has soared, releasing beautifully crafted expressions. Bottled at 48% ABV, it has a peach hue. The nose initially isn't very appealing, but after the first sip, it becomes fantastic. It presents cinnamon and a pungent citrus profile, reminiscent of gooseberries. There's recently baked spongy chocolate cake, a powdery and yeasty quality, and lime. Some bold and inexpensive citrus aromas are present; there's definitely an earthy element. After the initial taste, the aroma shifts to a freshly baked brownies note, with chocolate milk powder. Lots of chocolate, which is actually a characteristic wine note. The palate is delicious, featuring honey and red apples, along with cinnamon. It's very gentle on the palate. A second sip brought chocolate powder, gooseberries, and yeast. The finish is peaty: dry burnt grass and saltiness. It's so dry, it feels as if it vanished magically, with hints of chocolate. It's very earthy, surrounded by chocolate and yeast. Overall, the first sip didn't impress much, but with each subsequent sip, it improved. There's chocolate throughout, which I find excellent, especially when a peaty aftertaste awaits to surprise you. I highly recommend this spirit; it's a great experience, and my scoring system gives it an 88 out of 100, though it feels like more.

The aroma presents notes of raisins, similar to the Sauternes version, followed by a spicy touch, cranberry jam, a bit of rubber, and peppery, bitter wood dominating the latter half. The mid-palate features red grape jelly, floral honey, and rosewater, with a rather rich texture.

Very pleasant. Not too young, unlike the 11 yr gramnatico and 12 yr sauternes expressions from this distillery. It evokes the spicy, madeira notes of tyrconnell 16 and glendronach port wood. Curious how this will taste after some time in the sample bottle for oxidation.

After some air, it develops a waxy character and an unpleasant bitter butterscotch note. Beyond that, there isn't much complexity. Disappointing.

Pleasantly rich and oily. Notes of butterscotch and salt.

Intensely sugary