Glenallachie Single Cask for UK – Batch 1 29 Years Old 1989

GlenAllachie from the distillery, a 29 year old, from 1989, cask 100073, at 60%, 525 bottles in all. GlenAllachie is a Speyside single malt known for its heavy sherry and wine cask maturation. It was bought in 2017 by Billy Walker and two partners, fresh from selling BenRiach, GlenDronach and Glenglassaugh.

The spirit was distilled to a full, generous cut, for a thick, ester rich spirit the casks then deepen. Maturation came in an Oloroso cask, layered over the full GlenAllachie make. At this evaporative stage ellagitannins lend structure while oxidation builds a richer raisin and treacle. The full spirit deepens with time, the cask drawing out its darker register. Long ageing turns the fresh notes towards date, prune and a dark, bittersweet chocolate. Vanillin and oak lactones from the wood lend vanilla and a soft coconut over the fruit. The casks are picked closely, the wood matched to the rich GlenAllachie make.

At 60%, undiluted, it is dark and full. Date, fig and a warm cinnamon, with dried fruit, fig and walnut from the cask. Beneath it run dried fruit, dark sugar and a warm spice. It finishes long, full and fruity. This is GlenAllachie's deep, fruity Speyside style.