Glenallachie 19 Years Old 1996 Cask #5243 + 5245 (Signatory)

A 19 year old GlenAllachie from Signatory Vintage, distilled in 1996, from cask 5243 + 5245, at 43%. GlenAllachie is a Speyside single malt, long a blending malt and now a sherry led name in its own right. It was bought in 2017 by Billy Walker and two partners, fresh from selling BenRiach, GlenDronach and Glenglassaugh. It was built for the 1960s blend boom, its make long destined for the blender's vat.

It was taken gently through wash and spirit stills, for the rich, sherried make GlenAllachie is known for. A bourbon barrel held it, the wood adding a soft honey over the fruit. At oxidative maturity aldehydes lend a nutty edge while ellagitannins draw a drying, structured grip across the fruit. Vanillin and oak lactones from the wood lend vanilla and a soft coconut over the fruit. Years in oak deepen the spirit to a darker gold, the body growing rounder and more resinous with time.

Reduced to 43%, it is mellow and sweet. Raisin, chocolate and a warm spice, with a warm oak spice. The mouthfeel is full and coating, the fruit dark and sweet. The finish is rounded, dark and spiced. This is a rich Speyside malt of dried fruit and chocolate.