The GlenAllachie’s continued transformation under legendary Billy Walker sees it undergo inspired rebranding as well as release a 35 Year Old expression, the distillery’s oldest yet.
The GlenAllachie is an oft-overlooked distillery, nestled as it is in Aberlour in the heart of Scotland’s iconic Speyside whisky making region overshadowed by far more illustrious peers such as The Glenlivet, The Macallan, and Glenfiddich. We seldom hear of it because, since it was established in 1967, the distillery’s production was largely destined for blends rather than as a single malt brand.
That changed in 2017 thanks to one name. Billy Walker.
Billy Walker is one of the Scotch whisky industry’s most celebrated figures, renowned for elevating not one but three distilleries – BenRiach, GlenDronach, and Glenglassaugh – from relative obscurity into widespread acclaim. After selling them off to Brown-Forman in 2016, Walker looked for yet another opportunity to exercise his Midas touch.
His keen eyes fell on The GlenAllachie, incidentally not too far from BenRiach where he cemented that reputation. Walker thereafter acquired the distillery from Pernod Ricard.
“When we were given the opportunity to acquire The GlenAllachie, it was a distillery that was operating under the radar and was never truly exposed as a single malt. It was an ideal situation for us,” master distiller Walker tells us.
“We could determine what we wanted it to be (as a single malt), and what the personality of the liquid would be like,” he adds. Unsurprisingly, Walker would lean back on what made his name back in BenRiach for The GlenAllachie’s new direction.
“We knew we wanted to create a style of whisky that was influenced by sherry casks,” Walker says.
Of course that meant some tweaking in The GlenAllachie’s processes, including making sure that the inventory they inherited can help deliver that vision, as well as retooling part of its distilling practices such as increasing fermentation time and employing a new fill style.
Seven years down the road, the new GlenAllachie core range have been pretty much established. Comprising of 10-, 12-, 15-, and 18-year old expressions, each of them put Walker’s masterful wood management expertise honed over 52 years – and preference for sherry casks – to good use.
And now, a rebranding. The GlenAllachie recently unveiled a wholly reimagined logo, packaging, and even a new slogan – ‘Whisky in Good Hands’ – for its now multi-award winning single malt range.
“The previous presentation had served its purpose, and we felt it was time for a cleaner, crisper style. I have to say that I wasn’t as positive about it in the beginning, but I have to agree now that it was the right move,” Walker admits.
“It’s a fresher, and more contemporary, presentation. I’m pretty much in love with it.”
There’s much to love. Its distinctive new typography draws inspiration from the silhoutte of the distillery’s gable end, with more modern letterforms that alludes to prestige and artisanship. It’s a stark – and welcome – contrast to its previous dated Greek-style typeface.
Alongside its new branding The GlenAllachie also unveiled in the Singapore market its 35 Year Old. Its oldest expression yet, this is also the first new addition to the core GlenAllachie range since 2018.
Presented in a beautiful handmade decanter – emblazoned with its new letterform, of course – and encased an opulent oak box, this vintage single malt is comprised of liquid from six different casks: three aged in Pedro Ximénez sherry casks, one in Oloroso, and two virgin oak barrels.
“Unifying the six spectacular casks has created the perfect equilibrium between the sweet influence of Pedro Ximénez, the nutty contribution of Oloroso, and the spiciness of the virgin oak. The amalgamation entails a truly spectacular single malt with opulent notes of spiced caramel, rich espresso, tropical fruits and dark chocolate truffles,” Walker had shared when it was officially unveiled in the UK earlier this year.
“If you’re lucky enough to get your hands on a bottle, it’s a whisky to be treasured.”
The newly-refreshed GlenAllachie core collection featuring the 10-, 12-, 15-, and 18-Year-old expressions, alongside the newly-released flagship 35-year-old – as well as its peated Meikle Tòir range – is available in Singapore from November through official distributor AsiaEuro Wines & Spirits’ online store for island-wide delivery, as well as select bars and restaurants across Singapore.
Official Tasting Notes – The GlenAllachie 35 Year Old (48% ABV)
Colour Intense auburn with no added colour.
Nose Mocha, cinnamon, heather honey and pineapple, with hints of raisins, pomegranate and eucalyptus.
Palate Dark chocolate, mocha, raisins and dried fruit, fusing with heather honey, treacleand pineapple, with hints of cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves.
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