Samaroli Allt-a-Bhaine cask #187836.

This brand is legendary, featuring independent bottlings from various distilleries, curated by a celebrated Italian whisky authority. Its releases often command high prices at auction, creating an expectation of exceptional quality. This is my inaugural encounter with this label, specifically an Allt-A-Bhaine from 1995, bottled in 2018 at 47% ABV, drawn from cask #187836. On the aroma, I detected honey and remarkably fresh pears, alongside a spongy fruitcake and a potent peppery spice. It's like burying your nose directly into a pear's core – incredibly fresh, exuding a 'clean,' perfumed soap-like scent, even a touch of detergent. Post-initial taste, it transformed significantly, evoking apple pie, toffee, dulce de leche, and red apples, followed by bananas and caramel. The third tasting revealed a 'dulce de tres leches' dessert profile. Absolutely astonishing complexity! Upon tasting, it begins with a smooth vanilla ice cream sensation, then a surge of spices, and some expected ashiness. A second tasting brought forth notes of sauternes and peaches, though the spice intensity remained. Its texture is both oily and creamy, indicating a masterfully created spirit. The finish was a delightful, peat-forward conclusion, featuring smoke, hay, and ash – quite alluring. The subsequent tasting introduced a mineral, rocky character. Wonderful cigar and tobacco notes mingled with burnt hay and overall magnificence. Such an aftertaste was unexpected following the initial 'Glenfiddich'-like fruity aroma. In summary, a superb dram, extraordinarily intricate, with ceaseless layers of taste and smell. It's elegant, fruity, peaty, and thoroughly enjoyable. I can confidently state my first experience with this brand was phenomenal. My evaluation is 93 out of 100.