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.
Known for its pale appearance, Fino – the driest Sherry style – must be biologically aged for at least two years under a yeast layer that prevents oxidation. Maturation in former Fino hogsheads has delivered a limited edition Scotch whisky “overflowing with poached pears, vanilla custard and sugared almonds”.
“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 Fino Sherry Cask Finish – 48% ABV
Nose: Nutmeg, heather honey and vanilla extract, with butterscotch, green apple peel, stone fruits and roasted almonds.
Taste: Dried apricots, honeycomb and butterscotch, followed by baking spices, marzipan and caramel, with orchard fruits and citrus on the finish.
GlenAllachie 9 Yo Fino - From Master of Malt (link new window)
Fino is the driest sherry style which is made by biologically aging the wine for at least two years under a ‘flor’: a yeast layer that prevents oxidation. It's known for its pale appearance and delicate sweetness, which is harnessed by GlenAllachie for this whisky, finished in Fino sherry casks. It brings notes of sugared almonds, custard, and orchard fruit in a single malt Scotch whisky which was bottled at 48% ABV, non-chill filtered and with natural colour for The Wood Collection.
Tasting Note by The Chaps at Master of Malt (link new window)
Nose Nutmeg, heather honey, and vanilla extract, with butterscotch, green apple peel, stone fruits, and roasted almonds.
Palate Dried apricots, honeycomb, and butterscotch, followed by baking spices, marzipan, and caramel.
Finish Orchard fruits and citrus on the finish.
