Origin: Speyside (Scotland)
Type: Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Gradation: 58.1%ABV
Ageing barrel: Ex-Sherry
Chillfiltered: No
Added coloring: No
Owner: The GlenAllachie Distillers Co Limited
Average price: € 450.00
Official website: theglenallachie.com
Vote: 88/100
A version made in October 2018 from a single butt ex-Sherry (the 100049) filled on 7 June 1989, these 485 (very) cask strength bottles represent one of the many excellencies created by Billy Walker already in his first year of management, this time from the distillate made in the revival period when GlenAllachie was reopened by the new ownership after a few years of closure.
This single cask is part of a series produced at the same time for different markets: UK, Asia, US and Europe, and the bottle we are discussing today is part of the latter.
Tasting notes
The nose is beautifully ripe and intense, vinous effluvia emerges pinching the nostrils accompanied by sherry brushstrokes expressed in macerated red fruits, nutmeg, cinnamon, prunes, leather, Catalan cream. Is it all so dark and decadent? No, sir, the notes of unripe banana, vanilla, green tea and a vague balsamic streak balance the aromas, all resting on a damp, mineral carpet of mould. Lush.
In the mouth there is a slight hint of violet, which remains as a background note, with the alcohol content that doesn’t fail to be felt, although not intrusively. Less full-bodied than on the nose, it maintains the balance between dark and light tones, where red and white fruits alternate in a sweet but not cloying compote, veined with balsamic and floral impressions and definite spicy notes.
The finish is quite long and dry, of spices, red fruits, ripe pear, cinnamon and green tea.
A whisky with personality to spare, perhaps a little less incisive on the palate than I would have expected but with great robustness, with a masterful cask balance that marries without covering up the profile of the distillate.