A 2019 addition to the GlenAllachie core range, this 15 year old single malt was treated to a finishing period in sherry casks before bottling. The casks in question were a combination of puncheons and hogsheads that previously held Pedro Ximénez and oloroso sherry. Master distiller Billy Walker described this expression as having an "exceptional balance of the distillery’s spirit and the influence of the sherry casks used during maturation." We'd have to agree. This bottle was produced before the range underwent a redesign in 2024.
Peanut brittle, dates and a big scoop of chocolate ice cream.
Walnut, raisin, Christmas spices and fresh ginger.
Coffee, Turkish delight and just a hint of flaky sea salt.
Smooth and rich. No smoke. Very easy on the palate. Lovely dark colour in the glass.
Fresh out of the bottle it has a thick bourbon vein supplemented by caramalized sugar notes from the PX. The vinious, tannic, drying note from the Oloroso is also very apperent. Very full and sweet, too full even. An unlikely thing to say, but this whisky just feels like too much barrel. Sherry barrels were clearly fresh. The colour also reflects this, certainly when keeping in mind this is only a sherry finished malt. The bottom end of the barrel, with more oxidation having taking place, tastes better. Sweetness is subdued, but so is complexity. Woody oloroso notes take a more prominent place. All in all GlenAllachie seems to be missing malt character. A more pronounced alcoholic, malty vein like GlenDronach or Glen Garioch would be much appreciated. Maybe that's just me. This malt is the epitome of smoothness. If this buzz word resonates with you, it's a definite buy. If not it's still a very interesting malt to consider.
A good depth of Christmas flavour
I'm no whisky expert but I know what I like and this dram is excellent. I bought a bottle for my wife for Christmas and luckily it's her birthday in January. Fantastic dram for the money.
Really loved this dram, got another bottle on on the way, great stuff.
