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: € 75.00
Official website: theglenallachie.com
A new and hopefully exciting chapter in GlenAllachie’s Wine Series, in which the renowned Billy Walker, after an initial maturation in ex-Bourbon American oak casks, tests the distillate with a finish in ex-wine casks.
Here, the game is even more complicated, because Billy had fun blending whisky aged in ex-Languedoc, Recioto della Valpolicella and two Premier Cru Classé Chateaux casks. It’s a risky and fascinating blend, which after 9 years is offered at 48%ABV and at a very competitive price.
Tasting Notes
The color is light amber.
On the nose, the Hamletic and Christmas dilemma is: Panettone or Pandoro? In the sense that the orange candied fruit and a hint of yeast would lead to panettone, but the vanilla sugar raises doubts that it could be pandoro. The age-old question is quickly resolved: a few moments and an unmistakable note of Pandoro emerges. Cappuccino dusted with cocoa and Malaga are wrapped in a memory of freshly cut wood, while milk chocolate is sprinkled with pepper. There is also a hint of jasmine in this peculiar olfactory space.
On the palate, we can confirm: yes, it is Pandoro, with hints of orange peel and chewy orange and berry fruit. The acidity of the Granny Smith apple and the spicy note of pepper are slightly less intense than the caramelized nuts, which upsets the balance a bit. The floral side is driven by cyclamen.
The medium-long finish is just a little peppery and aligns chewy berries, candied fruit and a mirage of orange peel.
If Billy Walker set out to create a unique profile, he certainly succeeded. As is often the case with GlenAllachie, the most compelling aspect of the dram remains the dizzying balance between the deeper essence of the distillate and the influence of the casks. No tannic drift and a remarkable sensory variety. Well done!
Vote: 87/100