Reviews of scotch and world whiskies by a history professor, his wife, bird, and three cats.

Glenallachie 11 Year (2007), Signatory Vintage for The Whisky Barrel

Glenallachie 11 Year (2007), Signatory Vintage for The Whisky Barrel

Whisky: Glenallachie 11 Year (2007), Signatory Vintage for The Whisky Barrel

Country/Region: Scotland/Speyside

ABV: 61.3%

Cask: First Fill Sherry Hogshead

Age: 11 Year (Distilled 23 April 2007, Bottled 21 Feb. 2019)


Nose: Stewed stone fruits, cinnamon candies, spirited prickle, plums, overripe mango, hints of mint and celeriac.

Palate: Medium-bodied, sweet, spirited, ripe berries, stewed stone fruit, cinnamon and licorice candies, strawberry soda, honey, sweet peppers.

Finish: Medium-length sweet fruit with hints of leather.


Score: 6

Mental Image: Sugary Onslaught

Narrative & Notes: The aroma was rich with dried fruit, spice, and a spirited prickle that cleared the nasal passages. Cinnamon candies, slightly melted from the summer heat, appeared with plums, overripe mangos, and hints of mint and celeriac— a slighty anise but certainly earthy-vegetal note. Medium-bodied, the spirit was loaded with sweet fruit and bright spice. A touch hot without water, ripe red berries and stewed stone fruits rolled across the palate with a tingling cinnamon and licorice spice. The sugary malt crescendoed toward strawberry or raspberry soda with hints of honey and slightly charred sweet peppers. The finish was medium-length, with sweet fruits and hints of leather. Water smoothed out the mouthfeel and brought out more chocolate with the fruit and spice.

A simple sherry-driven dram, this Glenallachie was a tad hot at cask strength, but a few drops of water smoothed it out wonderfully. I have no deep thoughts here— this was dripping with sweet sherry notes, and there was not much more going on the glass. The flavors were well-integrated without any off notes. For those who love an aggressive sherry cask, this will no doubt score a few pegs higher.

Image Credit: The Whisky Barrel

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