Glenallachie distillery

Introduction to Glenallachie

A distillery with a passion for craft

Glenallachie is a Speyside gem nestled in the foothills of Ben Rinnes, embodying the essence of traditional Scottish whisky craftsmanship with a modern twist. The distillery has built an impressive reputation for producing exceptional single malt whiskies that showcase a meticulous approach to cask selection and maturation.

Located in the heart of Speyside, Glenallachie benefits from the region’s pristine water sources and ideal conditions for whisky maturation, resulting in spirits that are both complex and approachable.

Why we have a special eye for Glenallachie

At Vault of Spirits, we value distilleries that march to their own beat, and Glenallachie certainly fits the bill. Under the ownership of master distiller Billy Walker since 2017, the distillery has been transformed from a relatively unknown blending workhorse to a single malt powerhouse.

What sets Glenallachie apart is its commitment to unhurried fermentation, extended distillation, and expert cask management – elements that combine to create whiskies of exceptional depth and character.

The History of Glenallachie

Origin and development

Glenallachie was founded in 1967 by Mackinlay McPherson, making it relatively young by Scottish distillery standards. It was built during a period of whisky industry expansion to meet growing global demand.

The distillery changed hands several times throughout its history, including ownership by Invergordon Distillers and later Pernod Ricard. Its most significant transformation came in 2017 when it was acquired by The GlenAllachie Distillers Company, led by industry veteran Billy Walker.

The people behind

Billy Walker, a renowned figure in the Scotch whisky industry with over 40 years of experience, leads the current Glenallachie team with passion and expertise. Having previously reinvigorated BenRiach, GlenDronach, and Glenglassaugh distilleries, Walker brought his deep knowledge of cask selection and maturation to Glenallachie.

Together with master blender Trisha Savage and production manager Richard Beattie, the team has meticulously reshaped the distillery’s character, focusing on quality over quantity and introducing the world to Glenallachie’s true potential.

Craftsmanship and Production

From raw material to finished product

Glenallachie’s production begins with carefully selected Scottish barley. The distillery employs exceptionally long fermentation times of up to 160 hours – far beyond the industry standard – which develops rich, fruity esters that contribute significantly to the final spirit’s character.

The distillation takes place in four copper pot stills with distinctive wide necks and descending lyne arms, encouraging reflux and creating a heavier, more characterful spirit. Under Billy Walker’s guidance, the stills are run at a deliberately slow pace to maximize copper contact, resulting in a sweeter, more complex new make spirit.

Maturation and aging

Where Glenallachie truly shines is in its approach to maturation. Billy Walker’s expertise in cask selection comes to the fore with an impressive array of wood types, including ex-bourbon barrels, Pedro Ximénez and Oloroso sherry casks, port pipes, virgin oak, and unique wine barriques.

The distillery maintains warehouses filled with over 50,000 casks of maturing whisky, giving the master distiller a vast palette of flavors to work with. This extensive wood management program is central to Glenallachie’s distinctive character and the remarkable depth found in their whiskies.

Selected Products from Glenallachie

Glenallachie 12 Year Old – An introduction to the house style

This core expression perfectly introduces the distillery’s character, matured in a combination of Pedro Ximénez and Oloroso sherry casks along with virgin oak. Expect rich notes of honey, marzipan, and raisins, with a velvety mouthfeel and a pleasant spicy finish.

The 12 Year Old showcases the transformation that has taken place under Billy Walker’s stewardship – a balanced, full-bodied whisky that speaks confidently of its Speyside origins while offering something distinctly different.

Glenallachie Cask Strength Batch Series – An experience for connoisseurs

For enthusiasts seeking a more intense experience, the Cask Strength Batch releases offer the distillery’s signature profile at natural strength – typically around 55-60% ABV. These limited-edition batches feature a mix of different cask types, creating a complex tapestry of flavors.

Expect a robust texture with concentrated notes of dark chocolate, butterscotch, ginger, and dried fruits, culminating in a long, warming finish. Each batch varies slightly, making them fascinating studies in the art of whisky blending and cask influence.

Visit the Distillery

Tours and tastings

Glenallachie offers visitors the chance to explore its production facilities and warehouses through guided tours. The experience provides insight into the distillery’s unique approach to whisky-making, from the unusually long fermentation to the art of cask selection.

Tastings typically include several expressions from the core range as well as special releases, offering a comprehensive understanding of how different cask types influence the development of Glenallachie’s signature style.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Glenallachie?

Glenallachie is a Speyside single malt Scotch whisky distillery located near Aberlour, Scotland. It produces whisky characterized by rich, full-bodied profiles with an emphasis on natural flavor development through extended fermentation and expert cask maturation. Under Billy Walker’s ownership since 2017, it has transformed from a relatively unknown blending component to an award-winning single malt producer.

Where is Glenallachie located?

The distillery is situated in the heart of Speyside, near the village of Aberlour in Scotland. It sits at the foot of Ben Rinnes, drawing water from underground springs fed by the mountain. This picturesque location provides ideal conditions for whisky production and maturation.

What characterizes Glenallachie whisky?

Glenallachie is known for its rich, full-bodied character with honeyed sweetness, orchard fruits, and subtle spice notes. Key characteristics include exceptional depth from long fermentation times, careful distillation, and extensive wood management. The distillery’s expressions often feature influence from sherry casks, resulting in dried fruit notes and Christmas cake spices, though the range explores various cask finishes for different flavor profiles.

Where can I buy whisky from Glenallachie?

You can find selected bottles from Glenallachie at Vault of Spirits. We carefully curate our selection to include both core expressions and limited releases, ensuring you have access to the best this remarkable distillery has to offer. From the approachable 12 Year Old to rare single cask releases, our collection showcases the diversity and quality of Glenallachie’s whiskies.