Classic Malt Review // The GlenAllachie 12
If you are into whisky in 2021, you probably know that the whisky industry is massive, and that it’s virtually impossible to sample all Scottish whiskies that are being released every year, not to mention whiskies from across the world. In these exciting times, filled with experimental releases, unusual cask releases, and terroir-focused small batches, it’s easy to lose your spirited footing. That’s why I’m going to add more ‘classic releases’ to the portfolio on the blog. I figured these expressions deserve some screen time as well. After all, these are the whiskies that we find readily available. It’s better to know if they’re any good… The first in this new range of reviews: The GlenAllachie 12!
Text by Mickaël Van Nieuwenhove
Photography is © Mickaël Van Nieuwenhove and © The GlenAllachie
The GlenAllachie - A Short Introduction
I think it’s wise to start this review by giving a bit of information about the Speyside distillery behind this 12 year old expression. The GlenAllachie is one of the few independently owned and managed distilleries that are left in Scotland. Its whisky creation team is now headed by Master Distiller Billy Walker, an industry veteran who has been working with whisky for over 50 years.
If you think that ‘independently owned’ means that this is a small distillery, you have guessed incorrectly. With over 16 on-site warehouses holding over 50,000 casks, with a capacity to produce 4 million liters of alcohol. This distillery can play in the big league, and it isn’t afraid to do so.
If your browse their portfolio, you’ll find out that The GlenAllachie offers a variety of expressions that will cater to whisky enthusiasts of every level of experience. Besides the core range (10y, 12y, 15y, 18y, 21y, 25y), there are ranges focused on special wood finishes, single casks, a virgin oak series, but also 2 dedicated blended whiskies (White Heather & MacNair’s). You could spend a lot of time sampling every aspect of this prolific distillery. No wonder, as the distillery has been around since 1967.
Billy Walker, industry giant. © The GlenAllachie
The GlenAllachie 12 - Tasting Notes
The expression I am reviewing in this article was gifted by the good people at Premium Spirits, the Belgian distributor for The GlenAllachie. It is a 12 year old expression, bottled at 46%. The whisky is non chill filtered, and has been matured on 3 cask types: Olorose, PX, and Virgin Oak. It’s a popular ‘entry level’ whisky which has won plenty of gold medals at a variety of whisky festivals. And here’s what I think about it.
First of all, the nosing is pretty pleasant. There’s an inviting scent of creamy caramel and vanilla, with aspects of raisin cake and even ‘cocoa powder bubbles’ (the ones that you burst open with your spoon because they haven’t mixed well in your cold milk). I can only describe the general sensation as ‘rather heavy’ and ‘emotional’. This whisky doesn’t play around. It’s not at all coy, but offers plenty to discover, right from the start.
When I tasted the dram, I immediately had to think of the ‘bitter note’ connected to chocolate, but also of a certain type of ‘fruity’ flavor, reminding me of a paste of raisins and dates. There is some honey in there, too. Continuing with the ‘chocolate powder’ influence, I noticed a slightly drier element in there too, more pushed towards the back of the palate.
This expression is very easy to drink. It doesn’t really have a ‘kick’ to it. I initially expected a texture that was more syrupy too, but instead it is rather ‘soft’, just a little thicker than water. Very enjoyable, and very accessible too.
Conclusion
I believe The GlenAllachie 12 is an excellent starting point for those of us who are ‘new’ to the whisky scene, or those who want to have an affordable all-rounder which can be poured at any time of the week, and offered to any type of company. I also believe this would be an excellent whisky to pair with a light dessert. It’s a good addition to your drinks cabinet.
