Glenallachie 20, 2025, 2005, Master of Malt 40th Anniversary Exclusive, 54.2 %, #5391, WB283677

This is another exclusive: it has been matured in PX casks. Both are formidable, but I have to say the PX is much better and tastier than the other Oloroso one for the Aberdeen shop.

The nose is a nice, warming summer breeze with bossa nova in the background and all your problems far away. There are still cooking jam and cherry notes, as well as other dark fruits cooked in syrupy caramelised demerara sugar. This is beautifully accompanied by coffee and espresso notes. There are now baking notes, like freshly baked bread or cake straight from the oven.

Palate: Sweet coffee notes take centre stage, accompanied by soy sauce and balsamic nuances — not just hints, but

strong flavours. There is also the ever-present honey note. I can now detect plummy aromas reminiscent of old Armagnacs. An endless flood of aromas is entering the umami notes, reminiscent of fried or grilled food, such as burgers or steaks. More dishes are served that I cannot account for.

Finish: Dark chocolate mixed with manuka honey. It's reminiscent of an old Sassicaia or other Super Tuscan red wine. Not the elegant Tignanello, though. ‘When you realise nothing is lacking, the whole world belongs to you.’ Lao Tzu

93/92/92