Glen Allachie 15 Years

Overview
GlenAllachie 15 Years is a Speyside single malt Scotch from the distillery's innovative Virgin Oak Series, showcasing a 15-year-old expression aged in ex-bourbon casks and finished in rare Scottish Sessile oak. This limited release highlights the producer's experimental approach to domestic oak, creating a complex profile distinct from traditional ex-bourbon or sherry styles.

Specs at a glance

Good to know
Produced at the revitalized GlenAllachie distillery in Speyside, this expression uses Sessile oak sourced from Scotland's Atlantic coast, air-dried for 36 months, then toasted and medium-charred. The Virgin Oak Series emphasizes innovative finishes with Scottish wood, marking a premium, experimental arm of the distillery's diverse lineup. Only 300 bottles were allocated to the U.S. market.

Tasting notes

• Nose: Buttery shortbreads and granny smith apple pie lead, with vanilla bean, tinned pear, and candied lemon peel adding uncommon bakeshop brightness that evolves over time.
• Palate: Sweet black tea and chewy toffee dominate, layered with apricot cookies and candied ginger for a rich, textured sweetness.
• Finish: Dry woody spice lingers with tropical fruits and sweet pipe smoke, medium-length and rewarding.

Notable details

• Production: Aged in ex-bourbon casks then finished 18 months in virgin Scottish Sessile oak; air-dried oak, toasted and medium-charred.
• Lineage: From GlenAllachie, a Speyside distillery known for core range and experimental finishes like the Virgin Oak Series.
• Availability: Extremely limited U.S. release of 300 bottles, driving high secondary interest.

"This dram's Scottish virgin oak finishing creates a rich, evolving profile that rewards repeated tastings." – Drinkhacker

Closing
A thoughtful exploration of Scottish oak's potential, ideal for enthusiasts seeking depth beyond conventional Speyside profiles.

Sources

[1] Drinkhacker – "Review: GlenAllachie Scottish Virgin Oak 15 Years Old"

[2] Thewhiskeywash – "Scotch Whisky Review: The GlenAllachie 15 Year Old"

[3] Thewhiskeywash – "Scotch Whisky Review: The GlenAllachie 15 Year Old"

[4] Thewhiskeywash – "GlenAllachie Unveils 15 Year Old Single Malt Aged In Ex-Sherry Casks"

[5] Thewhiskeywash – "GlenAllachie 15 Year Old - Best Scotch Whisky 2024 by The Whisky Exchange"