GlenAllachie 10 Year Old Scotch Whisky Rye Wood Finish

Rye, Rye, Rye

I continue to be impressed by GlenAllachie, which is only recently been distributed to the USA. Rye whiskey is very spicy with a distinct flavor, which I enjoy on occasion. I just came across this GlenAllachie single malt that was finished in Kentucky Rye casks – the first rye-finished scotch I’ve ever seen It opens with a spicy butterscotch and golden syrup, quickly followed by a crescendo of rye, rye, rye. If you don’t like rye whiskey, skip this dram. Once the rye subsides (it never disappears), the cloves and nutmeg make a very subtle appearance, with some citrus hiding in the background. The legs are thick and clingy, typical of a GlenAllachie, making the finish linger… cloves… orange zest… golden syrup… and, you guessed it, rye. I’m not a big fan of “Caribbean cask” scotches, because they taste like rum – why not drink a good rum, which is much cheaper. This is much the same… the rye overwhelms the finesse of the scotch. I’ll enjoy this when I’m in the mood for a sip of rye, but a good rye whiskey would be much cheaper.