Glenallachie 8 Years Old 2013 Càrn Mòr Strictly Limited (Morrison Scotch Whisky Distillers)

Morrison Scotch Whisky Distillers bottled this GlenAllachie, an 8 year old, distilled in 2013, at 47.5%, one of 1296 bottles. GlenAllachie is a Speyside single malt, the home distillery of master distiller Billy Walker. It was built for the 1960s blend boom, its make long destined for the blender's vat. 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.

The spirit was distilled to a full, generous cut, shaping a rich Speyside body with real weight. A Pedro Ximenez cask held it, drawing the rich spirit on over the years. At an extractive age eugenol lends a clove note and lactones a coconut, the spirit rich, fruity and full. Years in oak deepen the spirit to a darker gold, the body growing rounder and more resinous with time.

At a natural 47.5% it is full and rich. A deep, dark sweetness, with raisin, date and treacle from the cask. The mouthfeel is full and coating, the fruit dark and sweet. It finishes long, full and fruity. This is the sherry led malt of Aberlour.