Glenallachie 12 Years Old 2008 (Gleann Mór)

Gleann Mór bottled this GlenAllachie, a 12 year old, distilled in 2008, at 50%. GlenAllachie is a Speyside single malt from the hills above Aberlour, below Ben Rinnes. It was mothballed in 1985 and reopened in 1989, a modern distillery by Speyside standards. It was founded in 1967, designed by the architect William Delme Evans, his fourth distillery after Jura and Tullibardine.

It was distilled in copper pot stills, shaping a rich Speyside body with real weight. A refill bourbon hogshead held it, keeping the full character to the fore. In integration coconut and vanilla knit with the malt, the orchard notes deepening to sultana, date and chocolate. Maturation runs slow and even in the on site dunnage warehouses at Aberlour. The full spirit deepens with time, the cask drawing out its darker register. The casks are picked closely, the wood matched to the rich GlenAllachie make.

Bottled at a cask strength 50%, it is deep and concentrated. A rich, sherried sweetness, over a gentle, creamy oak. Beneath it run dried fruit, dark sugar and a warm spice. A deep finish ends on dried fruit and a dark chocolate. This is a rich, sherried Speyside single malt.