From The GlenAllachie Website (link new window)
PIONEERING SHERRY CASK SERIES UNVEILED BY GLENALLACHIE
Prominent Scotch whisky maker The GlenAllachie rolls out its first newly packaged limited-release Wood Collection expressions: three Sherry cask-finished whiskies.
The brand is set to debut six single malts matured in different Sherry cask types over two instalments this year, aiming to explore the contribution offered by each style.
The first trio of new bottlings include a 9-year-old Fino Cask Finish (UK RRSP £60), a 9-year-old Amontillado Cask Finish (UK RRSP £60) and a 9-year-old Oloroso Cask Finish (UK RRSP £60).
Under the leadership of industry stalwart of 52 years, Billy Walker, the distillery – known for its rich Sherry maturations – has until now focused on the use of ‘traditional’ Pedro Ximénez and Oloroso Sherry casks.
Dubbed the ‘Sherry Series’, each expression spent an initial period in American oak ex-Bourbon barrels before being transferred to the expertly selected Sherry casks.
The Amontillado Cask Finish enjoyed secondary maturation in hogsheads that previously held this drier style of Sherry, which undergoes biological and oxidative ageing to develop a richer colour and more robust characteristics. The subsequent spirit is said to “deliver notes of dark cherries, toasted hazelnuts and caramel sauce”.
“This wood management project has been one of the most enjoyable in a long time. We’re exploring the influence of different Sherry cask types with whisky of exactly the same age and cask history. The lengthy secondary ageing period brings the incredible nuances and variations delivered by the Sherry maturations to the forefront.
“With the ‘Sherry Series’, we’re trying to achieve something special that would create intrigue and provoke discussion. Integrating the personality of six Sherry styles with The GlenAllachie’s heather honey DNA delivered a spectrum of aromatic and flavour characteristics that has exceeded our expectations. The first three expressions are truly exceptional – we can’t wait to share part two in a few months.”
The GlenAllachie 9-year-old Amontillado Sherry Cask Finish – 48% ABV
Nose: Soft orchard fruits, cinnamon and heather honey, with butterscotch, hazelnuts and dark tobacco.
Taste: Honeycomb, maraschino cherries and dried apricots, followed by poached pears, blood orange, mixed nuts and cinnamon.
GlenAllachie 9 Yo sherry From Master of Malt (link new window)
From GlenAllachie's Wood Collection comes an Amontillado sherry finish single malt Scotch whisky. Beginning its life as a Fino, Amontillado sherry undergoes an additional maturation period without a ‘flor’ layer, a stage of oxidative ageing that develops a richer colour and more robust characteristics. Hogshead casks that previously held this sherry style were used to age this whisky, bottled at 48% ABV without chill-filtration or additional colouring.
Tasting Note by The Chaps at Master of Malt (link new window)
Nose Soft orchard fruits, cinnamon, and heather honey, with butterscotch, hazelnuts, and dark tobacco.
Palate Honeycomb, maraschino cherries, and dried apricots.
Finish Poached pears, blood orange, mixed nuts, and cinnamon.
