Origin: Speyside (Scotland)
Type: Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Strength: 50%ABV
Ageing casks: Ex-Sherry and Mizunara
Chillfiltered: No
Added coloring: No
Owner: The GlenAllachie Distillers Co Limited
Average price: € 270.00
Official website: theglenallachie.com
Released towards the end of 2024, this bottling was the first in the Masters of Wood series, designed to showcase Master Distiller Billy Walker’s skills with wood.
It was matured between Mizunara wood hogsheads (notoriously difficult to make due to the shape of the oak) and former Oloroso sherry casks between puncheons and hogsheads, with 4,380 bottles produced.
Tasting Notes
On the nose, the sherry and new wood influences come together, intertwining dense notes of fruit (sour cherries, prunes, carob, blackberry jam), spices (nutmeg, cinnamon), sweet liquorice and nuts (cashews, hazelnuts), with menthol and balsamic notes that dilute the opulent decadence of the sherry. Lightness and opulence, dark and refined tones alternate on a humid and dusty dunnage background of incense and sandalwood, among jam, fresh fruit, brushstrokes of citrus, flowers (hyacinth), milk chocolate, leather, tobacco… infinite complexity and richness.
The palate confirms the depth given by the woods, with the freshness of the Japanese balsamic and vegetable tones lightening the compactness of the Spanish ones. Citrus fruits between chinotto and blond orange (also candied), fresh and jammy red fruits, sour cherries and cherries (also in spirit), After Eight, Haribo liquorice, spices (nutmeg, black pepper), herbs (thyme, marjoram). In the background, incense and that old, damp warehouse feeling return.
The finish is long, between balsamic and dark notes, carrying the complexity of the flavours with a light salty note on the lips.
A small miracle of balance and depth, bordering on perfection, especially when I think of the 35yo, to which this whisky, half its age, proves far superior. A full, complex, rich, smearless drink, an example of what Walker can do with wood when working with casks already in the distillery’s warehouses.
Hats off.
Vote: 91/100