The GlenAllachie 11 Year Old Palo Cortado Sherry Cask Finish Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

Glenallachie's 'Wood Collection' of single malts, finished a various barrel types continues to evolve, this time moving into some rather arcane sherried territory. Considered the rarest variety of sherry, Palo Cortado is created purely by chance, resulting in a complex style that's a cross between fino and Oloroso. It begins its life under flor, aging without the presence of oxygen, then mysteriously the flor dies off, leaving the whisky to age oxidatively like an Oloroso. Using puncheons and hogshead casks that previously held this exceptional wine, the whisky develops a beautifully layered character, with notes of ripe plums, dark mocha and warming cinnamon spice. In short, a proper sherry-style whisky, with a reasonable price/performance ratio. 48% Alc./Vol. Non-chill filtered.

Other reviews... The GlenAllachie Palo Cortado is wonderfully balanced between spice and fruit sweetness. The aromas harmonize beautifully, without any single note dominating. A lovely balance between the sweet and spicy elements is maintained throughout. The Palo Cortado finish brings different characteristics to the table than, for example, the PX and Oloroso casks in the GlenAllachie 12. A truly fantastic bottling from Billy Walker. - whiskybase.com