Prof_Dr_John scored this whisky 90 points 
Glenallachie 10 Cask Strength Batch 5, filled with 55.9% and this time 4500 bottles. It was very interesting to watch the relevant shop this week. It didn't take long and all the bottles were sold out within a very short time. Batch 4 was named “Best Whisky 2020” and the expectations for this follow-up batch were and are accordingly high. And I have to admit that these expectations were not disappointed. I found batch 4 very, very good, but I like this one a little bit better. When it comes to the barrel composition, Rioja red wine barrels were added to the Oloroso, PX and Virgin Oak Casks, which made the entire taste experience even more complex and interesting. In any case, a very successful selection. In batch 4 I gave a very good 89 points, considering the price of 55 euros at the time, a 90 would have been justified. I give these 90 points at Batch 5 and I am happy to have this great malt in the glass. Slaintè!
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The color is dark mahogany. The Glenallachie 10 lies heavy and oily in the nosing glass. At first I perceive a certain mineral note, but after a few moments an increasingly intense sherry scent emanates: oranges, peaches, raspberries, cherries, sultanas, orange peel, forest honey, dark chocolate, toffee, followed by leather, tobacco, coffee, a hint of pepper and nutmeg. The echoes of the Virgin Oaks can still be seen here, as well as those of the Rioja barrels. The alcohol is perfectly integrated and carries the enormous load of aromas perfectly. It's hard to imagine that this whisky should be "only" 10 years old, especially since more and more oak aromas are added and harmoniously complement the sweetness. The nose is an absolute highlight that gets better and better in the glass over time.
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The Glenallachie then holds on to its tongue what it promised in its nose. It's heavy and oily in the mouth and it's “hot” on the tongue. The sweetness dominates the first impression. The oranges, peaches, cherries, plums and honey are back, but the coffee, dark chocolate and cocoa knock on the knock and try to take over the direction. Pepper, nutmeg and a hint of cinnamon as well as delicate hints of the Rioja barrels and the Virgin Oaks complete this taste experience (I found the Virgin Oaks very interesting at Batch 4, they are not quite as present here, but the Riojas made the overall impression a bit more rounder and more complex). A very complex and interesting taste profile that doesn't leave much to be desired.
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The finish is medium to long and warming. Sweetness and flavor alternate, the flow of saliva slowly subsides, the mouth becomes a little drier. The red-fruity hints of the Rioja Casks knock again. Chocolate, coffee, ginger and a touch of oak complete this finish.
