Whisky Focus - The GlenAllachie Unveil 3 Sherry Cask Finished Wood Collection Drams

The GlenAllachie has unveiled 3 new limited-edition single malt whiskies in their Wood Collection expressions series: this time up the creative folks at GlenAllachie are offering us whisky drinkers three whiskies finished in Sherry casks and all 3 of the new whiskies are presented in the distillery's new look packaging which they launched in February this year.

Interestingly the GlenAllachie is set to unveil six single malts aged in various types of Sherry casks across two releases this year, aiming to explore the distinct contributions of each cask style.

This initial trio of new releases includes a GlenAllachie 9 Year Old Fino Cask Finish (UK RRSP £60), a GlenAllachie 9 Year Old Amontillado Cask Finish (UK RRSP £60), and a GlenAllachie 9 Year Old Oloroso Cask Finish (UK RRSP £60).

Led by industry veteran Billy Walker with 52 years of experience, the distillery, renowned for its rich Sherry maturations, previously focused on 'traditional' Pedro Ximénez and Oloroso Sherry casks before this unveiling.

Named the ‘Sherry Series,’ each expression began its journey in American oak ex-Bourbon barrels before being transferred to carefully chosen Sherry casks.

Fino, distinguished by its pale appearance and being the driest Sherry style, undergoes biological ageing for at least two years under a layer of yeast that prevents oxidation. Maturation in former Fino hogsheads has resulted in a limited edition Scotch whisky "brimming with flavours of poached pears, vanilla custard, and sugared almonds."

The Amontillado Cask Finish underwent additional maturation in hogsheads that previously held this drier Sherry style, known for its biological and oxidative ageing that imparts a richer colour and robust characteristics. The resulting spirit is described as offering "notes of dark cherries, toasted hazelnuts, and caramel sauce."

Oloroso, the darkest dry Sherry style subjected to extensive oxidative ageing, is renowned for its pronounced nutty, dried fruit qualities. The use of Oloroso butts to age The GlenAllachie has produced a single malt "brimming with flavours of dried cranberries, ginger biscuits, dark chocolate, and almonds."

These three limited edition Wood Collection expressions are proudly bottled at a high strength of 48% ABV, in their natural colour and without chill filtration.

Remarking on the launch, Master Distiller and Blender Billy Walker shares: "This wood management project has been one of the most enjoyable in a long time. We’re exploring the influence of different Sherry cask types with whisky of exactly the same age and cask history. The lengthy secondary ageing period brings the incredible nuances and variations delivered by the Sherry maturations to the forefront.

"With the ‘Sherry Series’, we’re trying to achieve something special that would create intrigue and provoke discussion. Integrating the personality of six Sherry styles with The GlenAllachie’s heather honey DNA delivered a spectrum of aromatic and flavour characteristics that has exceeded our expectations. The first three expressions are truly exceptional – we can’t wait to share part two in a few months."

This release comes on the heels of the brand's updated visual identity, with the core range currently on shelves. Just last month, The GlenAllachie unveiled its fourth batch of the 30 Year Old Cask Strength (UK RRSP £705, 49.1% ABV), a blend of five Pedro Ximénez and Oloroso Sherry casks.

This new trio of GlenAllachie Sherry cask-finished Wood Collection bottling's will gradually roll out globally in the upcoming weeks. Additionally, three more Sherry wood expressions are slated for release later this year.

You will find the soon find The GlenAllachie Sherry cask-finished Wood Collection whiskies (RRSP£60) available from specialist online whisky shops such as The Whisky Exchange and Master of Malt
 

• UK Shops
   
• USA Shops
   
• European Shops

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