Glenallachie 15 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky

Tasting note: Billy Walker's attempt to create "the essence of Speyside" is realised in a new sherry matured expression (reportedly, we have batch number two - the first batch quickly sold out in the UK). All the barrels were sourced from Miguel Martin and filled through 2004 to 2006. Slightly more than half were PX puncheons and butts with the remainder being ex Oloroso. There's also a small addition of 200 litre medium toast virgin oak in the mix. The result is another whisky where the appearance alone will get your appetite going, especially if you're into sherried malts. It pours a fabulous, deep polished mahogany colour and follows through with aromas of orange zest, raisin cake and fruit’n'nut dark chocolate while offering a decent attack at just 46%. Revealing more zesty freshness, gingery warmth and less of the over-the-top opulence of many recent Glenallachies, the flavour ledger tilts towards oloroso here with an almost tart, peel character competing with the PX. Dates, raisins, roasted nuts and an interesting twist of liquorice carry the aftertaste. All up, a solid sherried addition to the distillery’s ever expanding stable that fares best after 5-10 minutes air contact. 46% Alc./Vol. Non chill filtered.