GlenAllachie adds to Wood Finish range
Speyside distillery GlenAllachie has added a third batch of whiskies to its Wood Finish range, produced by master distiller Billy Walker.
In April last year, GlenAllachie launched the second batch of the limited edition series of single malts, all finished in a variety of casks including Port, rye, and Sherry. The distillery's latest batch release comprises 11-year-old Pedro Ximénez Wood Finish, 12-year-old Ruby Port Wood Finish and 13-year-old Madeira Wood Finish. Walker, who celebrates his 50th year in the industry next year, said: “From the very outset of my days at GlenAllachie, I aimed to build a deep-rooted understanding of the spirit and how it interfaces with different wood types. This knowledge has allowed for increasing levels of innovation as the months and years have passed. “The third batch of Wood Finishes are a fantastic representation of this innovation. We are delighted with the three very special single malts we have created, each bringing its own unique flavour experience.” The three whiskies are non-chill-filtered and sit at 48% ABV. The 11-year-old whisky was matured in American oak barrels for more than nine years, followed by an additional period of maturation in seasoned dessert-Sherry puncheons. This resulted in the expression boasting sweeter and fruitier flavours. Meanwhile, the 12-year-old Ruby Port Wood Finish was matured for more than 10 years in American oak casks, then experienced a second maturation in pipe casks, which previously contained fortified Portuguese wine. The liquid has tasting notes of spicy ginger, damson jam and grape. The 13-year-old was stored in American oak barrels, before being transferred into casks that previously held wine from Malvasia grapes. The resulting whisky presents infusions of juicy pineapple, sugared almonds and stone fruits. The Wood Finish range is available from global specialist retailers. The 11-year-old retails for RRP £59.99 (US$81.98); the 12-year-old for RRP £62.99 (US$86.08); and the 13-year-old is available to buy for RRP £67.99 (US$92.91). The distillery recently added a cask strength, Sherry-finished 14-year-old single malt Scotch whisky to its Wood Finish series.
