Glenallachie 12 years

Score: 72

GlenAllachie 12 Year Old made a bold impression in the club tasting, a dram that didn’t shy away from showing its teeth. Blended from a variety of barrel types, including bourbon, virgin oak, and red wine casks, it’s a hoary and gritty malt that puts its sherry cask influence front and center. The nose and initial attack are sharp and vivid, with dried citrus peel, quince, and grapefruit cutting through like a citrus blade. It drinks far hotter than its 46% ABV would suggest, with a chalky, peppery character that claws a bit at the throat and demands attention. As it settles, the finish reveals more nuance: almond, dark chocolate, overripe banana, and a touch of coffee bean that adds depth and bitterness. It’s not a gentle dram—it’s layered, assertive, and a little wild around the edges. GlenAllachie 12 doesn’t aim for elegance; it’s more about raw flavor and cask-driven complexity.