Prof_Dr_John scored this whisky 89 points 
Yesterday I spontaneously tasted the Glenallachie 10yo Cask Strength Batch 4 after the 2008 single Cask (Casl 515). Actually, I wanted to subject it to maturation in my dark rum barrel. I think I will refrain from doing this again. It would certainly be interesting to have included typical rum notes here, but I think that the Glenallachie has a load of aromas that is more than sufficient. My impressions from yesterday coincide with those of today and I think it's very successful. Especially when you consider the issue price of around 50 euros. And at this point I would like to break a lance for this Glenallachie. So far I have had all previous batches in the glass and this one is by far the best for my taste. It doesn't always have to be a whisky for 100-150 euros or more. This one here absolutely has a right to exist and as a "daily dram" for a cask strength lover, this should be a welcome addition to the whisky shelf. I'll probably get another 1-2 bottles to have a supply, who knows whether the next batches will be as good again. Since yesterday's impressions of Cask 515 are still very fresh, it is easy to make a comparable assessment this time. Batch 4 is only half the price of Cask 515. Is it twice as good? I would say: no. Cask 515 impresses with its multifaceted sweetness, while Batch 4 has its own advantages. I like the sherry notes, the spice and the notes of the Virginoak Casks. In total with the barrel strength and a few drops of water, this results in a very good dram, especially for the 10 years. If you now include the price in the rating (which I don't want to overestimate today), I have a strong 89 points today. If you included the price, it would be almost 90 Slaintè!
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The color is dark chestnut brown, the Glenallachie 10 Cask Strength Batch 4 lies oily in the nosing glass. Intense sherry aromas exude as soon as it is poured. Initially, dark fruits, plums, raisins, dates, cherries, cinnamon, cocoa, chocolate, orange peel dominate, followed by a delicate note of leather and nutmeg and a slight spiciness of ginger. As already mentioned several times here, the alcohol is felt a bit strong at the beginning. But this happens the longer the Glenallachie breathes. It then becomes a little milder and a touch spicier in the nose. A little water is good for him and the typical Virgin Oak nuances now come into their own. This is a nice addition to the sherry sweetness and spicy notes. Light walnut notes knock and hints of acacia honey complete a nosing that is surprisingly interesting for a 10-year-old whisky.
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Then it really gets down to business on the tongue. Sweetness and spice deliver an interesting duel for supremacy. Here chocolate, caramel and plums compete with the spice of oak, nutmeg and the light herbal notes. The flow of saliva is stimulated and the longer you chew the Glenallachie, the more intense the wood notes become. The Virginoaks freshen this up and contribute to an interesting taste profile. With the second sip, more caramel notes are added, the cinnamon flashes again and a hint of espresso is noticeable. Interesting and amazing for only 10 years of aging.
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The finish is warming and medium-long and feels a bit spicier than on the nose. Herbal notes tend to dominate here, the sweetness now only plays second fiddle. The walnut notes are noticeable again, the mouth becomes slowly drier. The leather notes knock again briefly and slowly the aromas become weaker and a warming, pleasant mouthfeel remains.
