Glenallachie Single Cask 11 Years Old 2008 (Cask 1836)

A distillery release of GlenAllachie, an 11 year old, from 2008, cask 1836, at 56.9%, 306 bottles in all. GlenAllachie is a rich, sherried Speyside malt from Aberlour, built on full bodied spirit and active casks. It was bought in 2017 by Billy Walker and two partners, fresh from selling BenRiach, GlenDronach and Glenglassaugh. Its stills were doubled from two to four within months of opening, the lyne arms angled down for a fuller spirit.

The spirit was taken gently through wash and spirit stills, giving a full bodied Speyside spirit. It was fully matured in a Marsala cask, the wood deep in the rich spirit. Through integration spirit and wood marry, vanillin rounding out as esters lend riper orchard fruit and a chocolate depth. Long ageing turns the fresh notes towards date, prune and a dark, bittersweet chocolate.

Bottled at a cask strength 56.9%, it is deep and concentrated. A rich orchard sweetness and dark sugar, with a raisined, herbal sweetness from the cask. A baked apple and a warm cinnamon lift the middle. A deep finish ends on dried fruit and a dark chocolate. This is GlenAllachie's deep, fruity Speyside style.