Origin: Speyside (Scotland)
Type: Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Strength: 48%ABV
Ageing casks: Ex-Bourbon and new
Chillfiltered: No
Added colouring: No
Owner: The GlenAllachie Distillers Co. Limited
Average price: € 50.00
Official website: meikletoir.com
The third and final basic bottling of Billy Walker’s peated range for The GlenAllachie, this 35ppm malt is matured for five years, initially in ex-bourbon American oak casks and then finished in new cinquapin (or chinkapin) wood casks, a quality of American oak not new to the Master Distiller’s choices.
Tasting Notes
Earthy and mineral nose, underlained by fruity and sweet delicacies that lighten the bouquet. Dried orange with cloves, pineapple, green apple and unripe banana support the burnt lacquered wood smoke, with scattered impressions of baked cream, digestive biscuits, a hint of cinnamon and damp undergrowth. Slight saline inflection, which, combined with the mineral wet-rock vein, acts as a thread between the aromas. Intriguing.
In the mouth, the spicy citrus part is again quite intense, as is the wood fire that becomes more decisive and distinct, especially along the length. Fruit and confectionery are co-starring, with the mineral notes more subtle but incisive, while a carpet of spices (ginger, black pepper, cinnamon) lies on the bottom. Sweet liquorice and salt close the sip.
Quite long and spicy finish, of dull embers, mineral and vegetable notes, citrus, salt.
Very drinkable, with that saline note also found in the Sherry One, which here acquires body and gives it a flicker of personality that makes me put it on the podium of the trio.
Vote: 86/100