Glenallachie 18 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

As a blender for over forty years, the warehouses are where Billy Walker really comes in to his own. Working with casks dating back to the 1970s, Billy has hand selected each barrel to be included in the 18 year old. It's created to 'showcase' the distillery's signature robust spirit "in harmony with heather and butterscotch notes. " As with the rest of the range, this was aged in American oak, Oloroso Sherry and Pedro Ximenez Sherry.

Tasting note: Brilliant deep gold. Opening aromas of peppermint rock lollies followed by nuances of beeswax, dried fruits, pear and dark chocolate. Air contact finds orange spice cake to the fore. Fabulous purity. More settled and integrated than the younger bottlings, this just gets better and better with time in the glass. A delicious rush of fruity malt (dried pear, apple, vanilla) rounded off with crisp oak and orange zest at the finish. Outstanding balance. Easily the most accessible and elegant of the bunch, but if you like your whisky on the wild side, go with the cask strength or even the 12YO. This is for grown ups. Non chill filtered. 46% Alc./Vol.

Notes from Glenallachie... Nose: Fresh vanilla, toffee, butterscotch and spices. Taste: Raisins, marzipan, heather and honey, with rich notes of dark cherries, spices and subtle hints of dark chocolate. 46% Alc./Vol.