Origin: Speyside (Scotland)
Type: Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Strength: 48%ABV
Ageing casks: Ex-American oak and ex-Marsala
Chillfiltered: No
Added coloring: No
Owner: The GlenAllachie Distillers Co Limited
Average price: € 80.00
Official website: theglenallachie.com
So far, I have enjoyed the privilege of tasting many GlenAllachie. I speak of privilege because the average quality of the offerings, even the most original and seemingly risky ones, stemming from Billy Walker’s tireless work on the woods and their combinations, has always seemed very high to me.
I was missing a finish in ex-Marsala casks, and today I fill that gap with a bottling made exclusively for Kirsch, one of the largest importers and distributors of whisky in Germany.
Bottled in 2021, this GlenAllachie, after an initial maturation in American oak barrels, was further aged in ex-Marsala casks for a total of 12 years.
Tasting Notes
The color is gold.
On the nose, the floral dimension (primrose) coexists with the fruity one (apricot), complemented by vanilla, hazelnut, almonds, wildflower honey, and milk chocolate enriching the picture. Two completely specific and unexpected notes stand out in the ensemble: anise and fennel seeds. An olfactory experience with a twist, in short.
On the palate, the apricot asserts itself in all its aromatic splendor, with an addition of peach, while the impression of milk chocolate thickens. Here, the hazelnut is in the form of cream, featuring a citrus side of orange peel and a sprinkle of pepper. A more traditional palate, but decidedly warm and comforting.
The persistent finish marries apricot, milk chocolate, and orange peel, with pepper that dries and revives.
Review: Supreme balance, absolute drinkability, with some truly original notes, especially on the nose. The sweetness is not clumsy, and the ex-Marsala barrels show that they have been managed with absolute skill, avoiding any vinous drift. Very well done.
Vote: 88/100