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. Was Unable to look for legs due to an apparent water-repellent coating on the glass I was tasting with. Nose: 14/20 Sweet and spicy, but also lots of discernible alcohol. There’s bold cinnamon that reminds me of rye whisky with hints of raisins and gingerbread. Palate: 29/40 Black tea, lemon peel, and dark chocolate. Not very complex and semi sweet, maybe also a hint of pineapple, but otherwise not getting any major fruit flavors shining through. Finish: 36/40 Long complex finish, this is where this dram really shines. It’s an interesting blend of black pepper and dark chocolate to get things started, then just the briefest hint of grapefruit before being dominated by cinnamon and ending on an okay and slightly salty note. With Water: A drop or two of water adds some apricot to the palate and mellows out the finish some. Total: 79/100 Final thoughts: I wasn’t impressed by the nose or flavors on the palate, but ultimately this is dram that’s still worth drinking for the finish, which is fantastic. Thanks to my brother @Mark-Watson2 for the sample. Price: gifted sample Would recommend: maybe Would buy: maybe 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.