Allt-á-Bhainne 1996 Connoisseurs Choice

Speyside single malt scotch whisky

46% ABV, £51.64 for 70cl

Score: 84/100

What they say:

With a light body thanks to a refill sherry hogshead maturation, this is a delicious 1996 vintage from Speyside’s Allt-á-Bhainne distillery. It was bottled for Gordon and MacPhail’s stellar Connoisseurs Choice range.

Nose: A fruity, fresh nose with a touch of pear drop, apple peel and allspice. Biscuity malt and marzipan.

Palate: Sweet and tangy palate with zesty citrus and creamy cocoa butter. Allspice, malt and barrel char. Very fruity.

Finish: Long, spiced finish with apple peel and greengage.

Overall: A delicate, subtle whisky from Gordon and MacPhail.

What I say:

Thanks to Richard (WOLS President) & Carrie for sharing this with us during a tasting evening. A little leftover heel from a Gaelic whisky tasting Richard hosted.

Colour:

Light gold, heavy tears

Nose:

Honeyed and sweet, cereal barley malt and grist, biscuit, fruity apples, peach and pear orchard fruits

Taste:

Light heather honey, sweet icing sugar, fruity peach, pear and apple

Finish

Medium, sweet but with a spiced bitterness like cinnamon on grapefruit zest

Overall:

Very good with Pumpkin Pie!