The GlenAllachie 18 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

"...sherry that behaves itself...there’s no denying it’s very well-crafted. " - whiskyfun.com

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, he's created an updated expression of the pinnacle core range offering, marked by a new presentation and a slightly different oak regime: x-bourbon maturation followed by a lengthy spell in oloroso casks. Despite that, it's hardly a sherry bomb, however the style here is more settled and integrated than the younger bottlings, and just gets better and better with time in the glass. A delicious rush of fruity malt (dried pear, apple, vanilla) comes rounded off by crisp oak and orange zest; the balance is outstanding, making this easily the most accessible and elegant whisky in the current line up. That said, if you prefer your Glenallachie on the wild side, stick with the cask strength or even the 12YO. Leave this for the grown ups. 46% Alc./Vol. Non chill filtered.

Other reviews... [2024 tasting] The nose is bright and vibrant with tangerine peels, summer red berries, and oak spices, adding fruitcake and marzipan fruits as it opens up. The lightness of touch on the palate shows its quality, with a core of orange and berry fruits, then a layer of dark chocolate grows to take center stage, supported by crystallized ginger and tangy, slightly bitter marmalade flavors, then waves of dark chocolate on the finish. (600 bottles for the U.S.). 93 points - whiskyadvocate.com

"Rich caramel and toffee mingle with sour dark cherries and almonds, leading to a lighter, fruitier palate where apple pie and creamy toffee unfold. The experience closes with a long, lifted finish marked by marzipan, cinnamon, and butterscotch." 98 points - International Wine & Spirits Competition 2026

[c.2024 tasting] ...The label proudly states it’s ‘overflowing with their signature heather honey charm’, which does sound a bit Highland Park-esque, doesn’t it? We weren’t particularly fond of the ‘previous new 18’ about six years ago, but as DJT would say, some stuff must have been fixed, very much so. Colour: dark amber with reddish hues. Nose: prune juice, plum wine, figs, milk chocolate, PX sherry, molasses, peonies, jasmine, and spearmint. That said, it’s far from heavy or overbearing. Mouth: absolutely nothing like that former 18-year-old. We do quickly arrive at notes of aged wood, deeply steeped black tea, rocket leaves, and dark tobacco. There is a drying quality, but it stays within pleasant bounds. Hints of cold espresso. Finish: sherry that behaves itself, alongside orange marmalade with pepper, cinnamon, and ginger. Comments: not my favourite of the range so far, but there’s no denying it’s very well-crafted. It has a touch of that old M style, just before FO arrived, if that rings a bell. About twenty-five years ago. 86 points - whiskyfun.com

Notes from The 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.