It’s Christmas time. I am a young kid, visiting my grandparents who lived not far from where I grew up. I spent a lot of time there. I knew where the sweets drawer was, where my grandmother kept all the goodies.
It was always an adventure to see what I was going to find when I opened that drawer in her kitchen. All of it was good, she was a great cook and baker.
When I bought this dram, I didn’t really know what to expect. I could tell by the colour and region that it was going to be sweet, maybe really sweet.
Glenallachie 10 Cask Strength – 57% ABV
The cask strength and ABV level threw me off a little. How could something be so sweet and strong at the same time. But that is when the memory of those days at a my grandmother’s place and me raiding her sweets drawer in the kitchen rushed in. It also reminded me that she herself was sweet and strong at the same time.
There is no colouring added, but wow that deep reddish mahogany liquid is a hint of what you are going to find inside. Opening the bottle you get a waft of big sweet sherry and honey.
Again, I am reminded of my grandmother. Before the holiday season, she would make dark Christmas cakes full of molasses, dried raisins, fruits and spices. The smell when I used to open the cake tin is what you get when you open this bottle. Big sweet raisins.
The first taste reminds you that it’s cask strength. Not in a bad way, but a spicy, bold finish that reinforces the raisin and sherry notes. Impressive dram.
Billy Walker, the legendary Master Distiller has knocked this one out of the park.
For those that love Sherry bombs, or those that are interested in trying something cask strength but are concerned with the ABV level, this is a great dram to try. It also makes for a great Christmas gift!