Glenallachie 15 Years Old 2009 Cask #900346 (casQueteers)

A GlenAllachie of a 15 year old chosen by casQueteers, distilled in 2009, from cask 900346, at 62.2%. GlenAllachie is a Speyside single malt, long a blending malt and now a sherry led name in its own right. It was built by Mackinlay McPherson, the firm that supplied whisky to Shackleton's 1907 expedition. Its stills were doubled from two to four within months of opening, the lyne arms angled down for a fuller spirit. It matures its spirit in sixteen dunnage warehouses on the distillery site at Aberlour. It was bought in 2017 by Billy Walker and two partners, fresh from selling BenRiach, GlenDronach and Glenglassaugh.

It was taken gently through wash and spirit stills, shaping a rich Speyside body with real weight. It was matured in refill ex-Bourbon oak, a soft vanilla beneath the fruit. Through oxidative maturity the esters concentrate, the orchard notes turning to raisin, fig and a dark chocolate. The full spirit deepens with time, the cask drawing out its darker register.

At 62.2%, undiluted, it is dark and full. A deep, dark sweetness, with a warm oak spice. A baked apple and a warm cinnamon lift the middle. Dried fruit, spice and a soft oak see it out. This is GlenAllachie's deep, fruity Speyside style.