The 18 Years Old forms part of the core single malt range from the Speyside distillery of Glenallachie. It sits alongside expressions released at 12- and 15-years of age, plus the 10 years old Cask Strength. The range has been created by Billy Walker – the co-owner and Master Blender of Glenallachie. This whisky has seen initial maturation in ex-bourbon barrels before a lengthy secondary maturation in ex-Oloroso sherry casks.
The Glenallachie distillery is located just outside the town of Aberlour in the Speyside region of Scotland. It was founded by Mackinlay, McPherson & Co. in 1967. The distillery was designed and built by renowned architect William Delmé-Evans. The current owners are The Glenallachie Distillers Co. who took over in mid-2017.
Under their ownership, and the vision of Billy Walker in particular, the brand has quickly established itself as a single malt brand. It has a cult following for its sherried style of whiskies. Previously, bottlings were rare. Much of the spirit produced was used in popular blends such as Ballantine’s and Chivas Regal. The annual production capacity is four million litres, although Walker has reduced this to around 750,000 litres per year.
The Glenallachie 18 Years Old is bottled at 46% ABV and is both non-chill filtered and of natural colour. It is available through specialist whisky retailers worldwide and should cost around £145 a bottle.
Our Tasting Notes
The colour is deep amber and the nose is robust, rich and sweet. Aromas of dark chocolate coated raisin, brown sugar and beeswax polish kick things off. Then come bitter orange oil, almond and walnut, plus some dried apricot. Depth is added by further aromas of caramel, plus background hints of vanilla custard and dried coconut.
On the palate this whisky is rich, oily and viscous. There is plenty of bitter orange oil and dark chocolate up front. Waxy honeycomb, dark caramel and burnt brown sugar follow and create a sumptuous combination that accentuates the richness. Hints of mocha and spent coffee grounds add further depth, as do evolving notes of apricot jam and marzipan.
The sweet marzipan is supported by distinct notes of toasted walnut and brazil nut. Background hints of antique dark wood furniture and oaky wood tannins dry out teh whisky towards the finish. Late clove spice and cinnamon bark are also evident.
The finish is lengthy and the rich and robust sherried notes drag it out. This is particularly true with regard to the dried fruit and the caramel and chocolate-like sweetness. As mentioned, the woody spice and tannic dryness increases, especially once the fruit and sweet fade. This leaves a lovely warmth and refreshing mouthwatering quality.
What’s The Verdict?
This is a fine whisky and one with plenty of old wood characteristics, flavours and tasting notes. It is not an overwhelming sherry bomb, but one that is well done and well balanced. Many of the characteristics are those that only decent age in good quality casks can give. The Glenallachie 18 Years Old somehow maintains a freshness which many similar sherry bombs do not. It is classy, rich and superb.
