The GlenAllachie sits in Speyside at the foot of Ben Rinnes, and has been transformed since master distiller Billy Walker took the reins, largely through an obsessive approach to cask selection.
The 18 Year Old is his personal statement, drawn from vintage sherry puncheons and hogsheads, principally Pedro Ximénez and oloroso, with virgin oak playing a supporting part. Eighteen years in that wood gives a deep chestnut colour and a whisky of real weight.
The nose opens on mocha, fig syrup and toasted hazelnut, with honeycomb, dried red berries and a touch of molasses tart behind. The palate is dense with baking spices, brandied cherries and toffee sauce, moving through Black Forest gâteau, mocha and grilled honeycomb, then closing on molasses and damson plum.
Forest fruit, gooey chocolate fondant and wild Scottish honey, and one of the most complete sherried malts Speyside currently has to offer.