GlenAllachie 21 years Batch 5

The GlenAllachie 21 Years Batch 5 is one of the special expressions from the renowned GlenAllachie distillery in Scotland's Speyside region. Since its takeover by master distiller Billy Walker, GlenAllachie has cemented its position as a distillery producing high-quality, craft whiskies with an emphasis on the maturation process and choice of casks.

Tasting note

Nose

The nose is inviting and full-bodied, with rich notes of dried fruits such as sultanas, figs, and dates. Added to this are layered hints of dark caramel, toffee, and butterscotch, with a hint of warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg underneath. As the whisky opens up, aromas of roasted nuts, chocolate, and a subtle hint of orange marmalade emerge, along with a delicate oak note.

Taste

The first sip is intense and silky, with a creamy texture that fills the mouth. There are immediately pronounced flavours of rich, sweet sherry influences with notes of dried figs, sultanas and a hint of dark cherry. This sweetness is beautifully balanced by spicy wood influences such as nutmeg, cloves, and a hint of pepper. Toasted coffee beans, dark chocolate and a hint of oak resin emerge in the middle of the palate, adding depth and a slightly bitter note to the experience.

Finish

The finish is long, warm and layered, with a lingering sweetness of caramel and toffee, accompanied by an elegant dry woodiness of oak. A hint of ginger and orange peel lingers, along with a subtle mineral freshness that refreshes the mouth after the rich flavours. The spices fade slowly, leaving a pleasant warmth that invites another sip.

GlenAllachie Distillery

GlenAllachie Distillery is located in the heart of the Speyside region, near the town of Aberlour in Moray. Founded in 1967 by Mackinlay, McPherson & Co, the distillery has a rich history and a reputation for producing high-quality whiskies. After several ownership transfers, GlenAllachie was acquired by whisky icon Billy Walker in 2017, leading to a revival of the distillery.

A unique feature of GlenAllachie is its focus on artisanal production methods and the use of a wide range of casks for maturation. The distillery uses water from nearby Ben Rinnes, which contributes to the purity and character of their whiskies. GlenAllachie whiskies are known for their rich and complex flavour profiles, with notes of honey, sultanas, chocolate and spices.

The whiskies are matured in a variety of cask types, including ex-bourbon, sherry, wine and even rum casks, making for a deep and layered flavour experience. The combination of a beautiful location, innovative maturation techniques and a strong focus on quality makes GlenAllachie a respected name in the world of Scotch whisky.