GlenAllachie 12 year old single malt review

This 12 year old single malt whisky comes from GlenAllachie distillery, founded in 1967. The GlenAllachie has been known for producing malt whisky for blended whiskies but recently they’ve introduced lots of single malts.

This expression was first introduced in 2018 after Billy Walker took over the distillery in 2017. Walker surely left his mark in the whisky industry with his accomplishments at BenRiach and especially GlenDronach distilleries. His manifest for GlenAllachie seems to follow the uncompromising ideology:

“We’ve decided to differentiate ourselves by bottling everything at 46% (ABV) or above, and non-chill filtered, natural color.”

The 12 year old release has been aged in Pedro Ximénez and Oloroso sherry and virgin oak casks.

The GlenAllachie 12 Year Old Single Malt Whisky Review

Tasting notes

Surprisingly, I liked this 12YO a wee bit more than their cask strength 10YO (Batch 3) or generally appreciated 15YO expression. Although in theory; I should’ve liked them more. All three GlenAllachies seem to have quality like expected. Even though I thought I’d score at least one of them over 90 points overall.

Matured in:

Ex-Sherry Oloroso and PX casks, and virgin oak casks

ABV: 46%

Non-chill filtered, no added colour

Colour: Light mahogany

Nose: Fresh wood and raisins. Light cola notes(!?) with dark fruits and blackcurrants. Very strong and pleasant aromas. Drops of water add hints of caramel and lots of orange marmalade.

Taste: Starts with sultanas and smooth warming spices. Bananas and barley. Palate is very strong yet smooth and pleasantly sweet. Towards the end it turns quite bitter.

Finish: Nicely peppery! Mix of velvety oil smoothness with warming spices and peppers. Aftertaste is very dry with dark chocolate notes and oak. Drops of water tones things down a bit.

Balance: Very round, nicely in balance. Quite rich as well. I could easily give this one over 90 points if the dryness wasn’t as heavy. Dry notes kinda strike too fast, leaving less room for the amazing mix of sherry smoothness and spices. Addition of water enhances this dram, it fades the dry notes.