The GlenAllachie introduced a second tranche of single malt bottlings to join its Wine Cask Series: an 11-year-old Premier Cru Classé Cask Finish, a 10-year-old Grattamacco Cask Finish and a 9-year-old Douro Valley Cask Finish.
The rare oak casks were expertly sourced by The GlenAllachie’s Master Distiller and leading whisky maker of 50 years, Billy Walker, from three fine wine producers located in France, Italy, and Portugal.
Each expression was initially matured in ex-Bourbon American oak barrels before being transferred to the various European red wine casks.
With 1,800 cases produced, the 11-year-old was aged in French oak that previously held a prestigious Premier Cru Classé wine, obtained from one of just five châteaux to hold this top Bordeaux wine classification. The subsequent whisky boasts “notes of blackcurrant cordial, warming mocha, truffle and gingersnap biscuits”.
Hailing from Italy, the certified organic Super Tuscan barriques from Grattamacco – the second winery established in the renowned Bolgheri region – have imparted “layers of pink grapefruit, wild honey, raspberry jelly and sweet spice” on the 2,600 cases of 10-year-old single malt created. Douro Valley, one of the world’s oldest protected wine regions, holds some of Portugal’s most esteemed wine estates with the country’s highest classification: Denominação de Origem Controlada (DOC). The rare barriques have delivered “hints of dried apricots, cinnamon sticks and vanilla custard,” with a total of 2,000 cases of whisky available.
The three expressions are presented at a high strength of 48% ABV (96 proof), are unchill filtered, and have no added colouring.
Remarking on the launch, Walker stated “we’re incredibly fortunate to have worked with some of the best wine producers in Europe for these wonderful releases. I’m a devoted wine enthusiast, so, on a personal level, this series brings together two passions: fine wine and Scotch whisky. The bottlings are already available. The suggested retails prices are £63 for the 11-year-old Premier Cru Classé Cask Finish, £58 for the 10-year-old Grattamacco Cask Finish, and £57 for the 9-year-old Douro Valley Cask Finish.
Do not miss any news and the highest rated spirits!
