Origin: Speyside (Scotland)
Type: Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Strength: 48%ABV
Ageing casks: Ex-Bourbon and ex-Wine
Chillfiltered: No
Added coloring: No
Owner: The GlenAllachie Distillers Co Limited
Average price: € 70.00
Official website: theglenallachie.com
Vote: 89/100
Like the one dedicated to the various types of wood, also in a limited edition, the Wine Series represents a new opportunity for the indefatigable master distiller Billy Walker to put GlenAllachie’s distillate to the test, in this case finishing the whisky in casks that had previously housed different wines. And always with excellent results, at least so far.
Alongside today’s whisky, this series, which you will gradually find reviewed in its entirety on this space, lines up a 12yo aged in Sauternes, a 13yo aged in Spanish Rioja wine and a recent 9-year Cuvée Cask Finish, in which the whisky was aged in a mix of casks all former Premier Cru Classé.
Those of you who have been following us for some time are well aware of our passion for risky ex-wine cask finishes, so today we are even more excited to taste this 11yo which, after an initial maturation in American Oak ex bourbon barrels, as you can read exactly on the label, received a second one in casks from Bolgheri, in Tuscany, which had previously housed the exquisite Grattamacco wine.
48%, natural colour and no cold filtration for a proposal still available in stores.
Tasting notes
The colour is that of wildflower honey.
The nose is a triumph of fruity notes: apricot, peach, yellow orange, with a touch of ginger and a floral undertone reminiscent of orange blossom. A sprinkling of white pepper, then figs and sultanas, with orange peel, this time, growing in intensity over time. Also almonds.
The mouthfeel is peppery, but that is the only common perception on the nose. Here it is a riot of creams: custard (always and everywhere), but also eggnog, vanilla cream, even toffee. In the body, the whisky is soft: it surprises and welcomes you, like a desire that arises unexpectedly. And this softness accentuates, if possible, the ‘creamy’ suggestion, with orange cream and hazelnut cream gently teasing the palate.
In the finish, of medium persistence, cream and fruit come together and, in a single embrace, leave a delicious memory that is not at all tannic.
With GlenAllachie you are never wrong: choose one of their whiskies and you know you won’t be disappointed. But this Grattamacco Cask Finish is truly fantastic: an uninterrupted pampering, albeit modulated, between the nose and palate, on different registers, that immediately makes you want to thank those who made it. And, of course, to keep drinking it.