Glenallachie The Duchess 24 Years Old Selected by Watt Whisky Cask 23 55.1% 1995

Professionelle Bewertungen

Malt Fascination (89)

Earlier this week I got a sample in the mail of a to-be-released GlenAllachie, and today is the day that it’s available from various shops. Let’s start by expressing a bit of gratitude towards Nils of Best of Wines/Best of Whiskies.

Then,GlenAllachie. A distillery that no one paid any attention to until it was bought by Billie Walker, of BenRiach/GlenDronach/GlenGlassaugh fame. He sold the three distilleries to Brown Forman a while ago and has since bought GlenAllachie.

They’ve been releasing fairly awesome single casks since, with quite a few releases for specific markets. It seems some money was needed to pay the bills…

Anyway, a distillery that has become quite popular in my little circle of geeks, and rightfully so. Not everything is solid what comes out, but most of it is worth the money and quite good. Unfortunately the older single casks are unaffordable. The regular 25 clocks in over € 200, which I think is too expensive for what it is. Similarly aged single casks cross the € 300 line.

This one then, comes in at € 200, which is affordable for what it is. That doesn’t mean it’s cheap since there’s a lot of money involved, but it’s comparatively affordable. Which is nice, in this day and age.

This cask was picked by Mark Watt, of Watt Whisky, and a previous post on this here blog. This makes my expectation of it even higher, since I know and appreciate the man’s palate.

Let’s see if it lives up to its price point!

Sniff:
Gentle on the bourbon cask with a good balance between cask, barley and spirit. Autumn leaves, puff pastry, moss. It’s quite light with some very crisp herbaceous notes.

Sip:
The palate is a bit hotter than I expected. Dry, with some freshly sawn oak. Black pepper, dried breadcrumbs, puff pastry. Some vanilla, moss and ferns, autumn leaves. I get dried apple peel and a whiff of bitterness later on.

Swallow:
The finish shows a bit more cask. Some vanilla, pastry cream, sawdust.

Yes, this does live up to the price point. It’s just shy of a 90-pointer for me, but I love that the time in oak has done a lot for the whisky without overpowering it. It’s still very much about the balance between oak and spirit, which is what whisky is about.

It seems like, just like with their rums, these guys know what they’re doing.

BOW (90)

Title: GlenAllachie The Duchess 24 Years Old Cask 23 Selected by Watt Whisky: A Rare Gem from the Game & Wildlife Series

Introduction:
In the vast world of whisky, there are hidden treasures waiting to be discovered. One such gem is the GlenAllachie The Duchess 24 Years Old Cask 23, selected by Watt Whisky and bottled by the Dutch Premium Independent label, the Duchess. This particular expression is part of their esteemed Game & Wildlife Series, offering fine and ultra-rare casks to discerning whisky enthusiasts. With only 289 bottles produced, this exclusive release showcases the craftsmanship and expertise that goes into creating a remarkable single malt.

The Tasting Experience:
Mark Watt, from Watt Whisky Company, presents us with an official tasting notes guide to take us through the sensory journey of this remarkable whisky. Let's explore the flavors and characteristics that make GlenAllachie The Duchess 24 Years Old Cask 23 a truly exceptional expression.

Nose:
As you bring the glass to your nose, a light citrusy aroma envelops your senses. The fragrance is accompanied by a creamy undertone, setting the stage for what lies ahead. Notes of peaches and a hint of mango chutney dance in harmony, while the scent of growing citrus fruits tantalizes the olfactory senses.

Taste:
On the palate, the whisky reveals its true depth and complexity. A syrupy and chewy texture greets your taste buds, coating them in a luscious embrace. The flavors of tinned peaches in syrup take center stage, alongside the delightful essence of clementines and preserved lemons. These exotic fruit notes offer a delightful contrast, delivering a unique and captivating experience.

Finish:
The finish of GlenAllachie The Duchess 24 Years Old Cask 23 is a testament to its age and maturation. It lingers long on the palate, leaving a creamy and citrusy aftertaste. While the influence of time can be sensed, there is an absence of overpowering woody notes. The balance achieved is a testament to the careful cask selection and aging process.

A Personal Perspective:
As a whisky enthusiast, it's always a joy to come across a release that embodies the best aspects of both freshness and maturity. GlenAllachie The Duchess 24 Years Old Cask 23 manages to strike that delicate balance effortlessly. The whisky delivers a mouthfeel that is both satisfying and indulgent, with a delightful interplay of old-school fruitiness. It is a testament to the artistry and dedication of the master distillers and blenders involved in its creation.

In Conclusion:
GlenAllachie The Duchess 24 Years Old Cask 23, selected by Watt Whisky and bottled by the Duchess, is a truly exceptional whisky that exemplifies the pinnacle of craftsmanship. With its limited availability of only 289 bottles, this expression is a rare find for collectors and connoisseurs alike. The symphony of light citrus notes, exotic fruits, and creamy textures make it a whisky worth savoring and cherishing. If you have the opportunity to experience this remarkable release, you won't be disappointed.

Serge Valentin (85)

Angus McRaild;

Yet more birds on whisky labels, we will know the world has stopped turning when the indy bottlers run out of avian wildlife with which to adorn labels. Colour: bright straw. Nose: very light, gentle orchard fruits with an underripe sharpness about them. So pears, apples and gooseberries all rather green and crisp. Some firmer maltiness behind all that and some sunflower oil. With water: still rather dry and gentle, some pollens, Bakelite, yellow flowers and oatmeal. Mouth: a bit more assertive and charismatic than the nose, which is fun. More on shoe polish, oily cereals, buttered breads, dried flowers, canvass and putty. Pretty good I think. With water: slightly juicier with some yellow plums and dried apricot, some plasticine, fennel seed and a single spoonful of custard. Quite funny whisky really. Finish: medium and still a bit drying, lightly peppery, dusty and more of these pressed and dried flower feelings. Comments: It's really a palate whisky in my book, one for a tumbler and gentle sipping rather than a nosing glass. Same ballpark as the OB 12yo but a world apart stylistically.

Words of Whisky (88)

Nose: It is very crisp and lemon-y with dried barley husks and a whisper of burlap. Touches of apple compote, quinces and sweet peaches. Finally a whisper of grapefruit, this is getting more citrusy as we go along.
Taste: A creamy mouthfeel and gentle arrival with a good amount of citrus and some stone fruits. Soft notes of white pepper and cloves too, with finally a surprising mineral touch.
Finish: Lingering spices and lemon pith. Ending on notes of orchard fruits. Quite long.

Score: 88

Excellent single cask from Glenallachie with a mature flavour profile that’s getting rare these days. Not cheap, but I suppose nowadays that’s the going price for single malts of this age. You could certainly do much worse than spending your money on this. Lovely pick by Mark Watt and Best of Whiskies.