Whisky-Maniac celebrated its fifth anniversary earlier this year. We already reviewed an outstanding Ben Nevis 1996 and Highland Park 1989 bottled for the occasion. They also secured a GlenAllachie exclusive, which is a 2007 Pedro Ximénez puncheon.
GlenAllachie 15 yo 2007 (57,2%, OB for Whisky-Maniac 2023, PX puncheon #6683, 716 btl.)
Nose: a lot of figs and dates, with molasses and hints of tobacco-filled chocolate (we have them here in Belgium). Mars bars, cinnamon, as well as light hints of bovril and moss. Then also a brighter side, with some pine needles and glazed cherries. Whiffs of cedar wood too, this feels modern and slightly oaky.
Mouth: really punchy. Same mix of treacle, fig syrup, dark chocolate and woody undertones. Heavy and thick sherry, with a gooey character. Clove, black pepper and ginger come out, together with coffee and orange peels. Plenty of flavour, but showing a slightly alcoholic edge, like a boozy sherry brandy.
Finish: long, with more of the dark toffee and Heering Cherry, alongside oak spice and a hint of mint.
Billy Walker is always looking for intense, characteristic casks, so it’s not surprising this PX cask is dark and heavy. I find this profile quite modern: packed with flavours, at the expense of a bit of elegance perhaps. Exclusively available from Whisky-Maniac.