Here comes the latest release, I believe. I must admit that the label 'Masters of Wood' rather conjures images of lumberjacks, carpenters, or cabinetmakers, but that’s marketing for you, isn’t it? No one really talks about the handling of the stills and their quirks these days. Remember those massive copper contraptions with odd piping found in ‘distilleries’? Colour: amber. Nose: reminiscent of a pristine cigar box (humidor). The now ubiquitous mizunara seems to bring touches of fresh rubber (new boots) and pinecones to the nutty, walnut liqueur profile of the oloroso. With water: notes of liquorice and a freshly tailored Harris tweed jacket. Mouth (neat): gentler, honeyed, with coffee liqueur and fir bud over sultanas. With water: beautifully balanced, showcasing undergrowth, raisins, and resinous nuances (bark, needles, sap, and so forth). A subtle hint of propolis and honey rounds it off. Finish: long, fairly rich but not overpowering at all. Comments: it feels a touch 'recipe-based', but isn’t that often the case with Michelin-starred dishes as well? A definite success, I’d say. Ah, mizunara…
BOW (90)
Under the guidance of Billy Walker, master distiller with over 52 years of experience, The GlenAllachie continues to push the boundaries of cask innovation. This latest release has matured in a harmonious blend of rare Mizunara oak casks and rich Oloroso sherry casks, culminating in a truly unique flavor profile. Mizunara, a rare and revered Japanese oak known for the challenges it presents in crafting and maturation, imparts sweet spices, sandalwood, and charred oak nuances. The addition of Oloroso sherry puncheons and hogsheads, sourced from the sun-drenched region of Andalusia, Spain, infuses layers of nutty, dried fruit flavors, balancing the whisky’s deep, opulent character.
Billy Walker on this newest GlenAllachie release:
“After so long in the industry, a lot of my decision-making comes down to instinct. When it comes to cask experimentation, my background in chemistry merges with this intuitive thinking to create some captivating results. This release marries the finest and rarest casks, crafting a spectacular single malt with decadent notes of apple strudel, honey, chocolate-covered hazelnuts, and ginger. Working with Mizunara is always a challenge, but the rewards are beyond compare.”
Tasting Notes
Nose: An alluring bouquet of heather honey, dried orange peel, and crystallized ginger, accentuated by hints of cocoa, toasted tobacco leaf, and fresh vanilla pods.
Palate: A medley of baking spices, dried blood orange, and grilled honeycomb, followed by rich waves of cocoa, poached cinnamon apples, and fig syrup, enhanced by a touch of demerara sugar.
Finish: Complex and lingering, leaving a lasting impression.
