Glenallachie 16 Year Old Malts of Scotland

Glenallachie is a whisky I’ve never tasted before. The distillery is situated near Aberlour and was founded in 1967. The architect was William Delmé-Evans, also known for designing Tullibardine and Isle of Jura. Just like Allt-A-Bhaine (another noble unknown), this is now property of Chivas Brothers (Pernod Ricard). And just like Allt-A-Bhaine, Glenallachie is used mainly in the blends 100 Piperes, Chivas Regal, Ballantines and Clan Campbell. There are not many official bottlings. I’m trying a 16 Year Old matured on a bourbon cask, bottled by Malts of Scotland.

And while it matured for 16 years, it smells rather young. Fruity with young apples and pears, vanilla and grain. Slight burn on the nose because of the high ABV. And a weird association, maybe: I get the small of potato peels. But let me add that I do not consider it an off-note.

On the palate, it’s slightly alcoholic and fruity, but quickly turns a bit bitter and sourish. Lightly peppered. Again apples and pears and – a little less – citrus. At the back of the throat even some salt.

The finish is long and dry, but bitter as the peel of a lime.

The nose was nice and promised a young fruitiness, but the taste left something to be desired. Clearly a blender’s whisky, but I’m happy to have tasted it as a single malt.

Find where to buy Glenallachie whisky