The GlenAllachie’s Latest Scotch Is Also Its Maiden Peated Whisky

The GlenAllachie distillery in Scotland recently announced the release of the last bottling in The Past, Present & Future Series as the first ever distillate produced under their ownership: The GlenAllachie Billy Walker 50th Anniversary Future Edition 4-year-old Peated Single Malt Scotch Whisky.

The series this expression is part of, which launched earlier this year, honors Walker’s 50-year-long stint in the Scotch whisky industry. It is a young, 4-year-old peated single malt and, according to those behind it, “the first whisky bottled by the distillery to have been created under Walker and impacted by his production modifications. These include an 80% production drop, which allows for greater supervision throughout the maturation journey, and facilitates an increase in fermentation duration to 160 hours creating an ester-rich spirit with thicker mouthfeel.”

During his time at GlenAllachie, Walker has been producing peated spirit for around six weeks annually to diversify the distillery’s offering. This first of its kind was matured in former Rye and Bourbon barrels, as well as virgin oak casks. Made with with mainland peat from St Fergus, it is said the flavor “contribution is sweeter with distinguishing oaky tones in contrast to the more medicinal or maritime notes anticipated of a coastal peat.

“The barley was kilned to 80ppm (parts per million) offering up distinctive smoky yet sweet flavour characteristics: smouldering oak, cinnamon apples and chocolate-covered hazelnuts, alongside puffs of earthy peat smoke.”

“It’s beyond exciting to release our very own whisky distilled since we took over this hidden gem of a distillery in 2017,” said Walker in a prepared statement. “I eagerly await the reaction amongst whisky fans to this first glimpse at both our own distillate, and our peated work. The response will unquestionably influence where we take things next.

“The timing of the launch is apt as we celebrate our fifth anniversary of ownership next month. We are so very fortunate to be steering this great distillery into the future. I think the best is yet to come.”

This release is limited to 10,000 bottles worldwide; each presented at cask strength of 60.2% ABV, natural color and non chill filtered. Pricing at £80, you’ll find official tasting notes for The GlenAllachie Billy Walker 50th Anniversary Future Edition below.

• Colour: Auburn.
• Nose: Bursting with honeycomb, dried fruits and hazelnut, with hints of smouldering oak, dark chocolate and warm cinnamon apples.
• Taste: Lashings of cinnamon stewed pears, toasted almonds, heather honey and pipe tobacco, followed by smoked barley, vanilla toffee and orchard fruits.