Earlier this year GlenAllachie launched a new Sherry Cask Series, part of the distillery’s Wood Collection. The range includes a trio of finished, either in Amontillado, Fino or Oloroso casks. Samples of these expressions were kindly sent a while ago. Now it’s finally time to review them.
Each of the single malts in the Sherry Cask Series initially spent time in American oak ex-bourbon barrels. For exactly how long they were then finished is unknown. It wouldn’t think too long, but that’s just a guess and not a fact.
If you’d like to know the thoughts of master distiller Billy Walker and assistent blender Ronan Currie on the new GlenAllachie Sherry Cask Series, check out this neat video:
Billy Walker describes the Sherry Cask Series as “one of the most enjoyable [projects] in a long time.” The trio of Amontillado, Fino and Oloroso releases is only the first part of the entire range. Three further expressions exploring three other sherry styles will be released in due course.
GlenAllachie 9 Years Amontillado Sherry Finish (48%, OB, 2024)
Nose: Hints of fudge and hazelnuts initially, but also some summer fruits, a tinge of peanuts, plenty of banana and a gentle minerality. Evolves towards citrus notes as time goes by.
Taste: Decently creamy. There’s nuts again, some orchard fruit, but also a fair bit of oak spices. Nutmeg, ginger, pepper. There’s a subtle sweetness lingering in the background, highlighted by crème caramel, madeira cake and brown sugar.
Finish: Medium length. More of the above, meaning spices and a soft sweetness.
GlenAllachie 9 Years Fino Sherry Finish (48%, OB, 2024)
Nose: A slight tartness that works well. Gentle notes of orchard fruits, a touch of kiwi, and then a feint leafiness. Also butterscotch, a sliver of praline and then finally prunes and macadamia milk.
Taste: Creamy mouthfeel, a fair amount of fresh oak too, although better balanced than the Amontillado. Hints of honey, vanilla custard and almond paste, but also some of those fruits from the nose.
Finish: Short to medium length. Sponge, eucalyptus and just a general vanilla sweetness.
GlenAllachie 9 Years Oloroso Sherry Finish (48%, OB, 2024)
Nose: Hints of coffee grounds, milk chocolate and dark caramel, whilst there’s also enough notes in the vanilla realm. Think custard. Or toffee. Some gentle cooked fruits as well, accompanied by a tinge of raisins and some Maraschino cherries.
Taste: An interesting one this. There’s the classic ex-Oloroso whisky you’d expect. Chocolate, molasses, figs and prunes. But the nutty, oaky flavours I often find in younger GlenAllachie are here also. The two sides are kind of fighting for your attention.
Finish: Medium length. Cracked black pepper, dark caramel and chocolate. Ending on vanilla foam blocks (which I think is something Dutch).
Samples provided by GlenAllachie
