The GlenAllachie Distillery, has announced the launch of the second bottling from its limited-edition Past, Present and Future series of Scotch whiskies.
The GlenAllachie Billy Walker 50th Anniversary Present Edition (48% ABV) is a 16 Year Old single malt, which was initially matured in Pedro Ximenez and Oloroso Sherry casks, before being finished in Mizunara virgin oak casks.
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| The GlenAllachie Billy Walker Anniversary Present Edition |
Launched back in May, the Past, Present and Future series honours GlenAllachie’s Master Distiller Billy Walker, and his half-century-long career in the Scotch whisky industry, with each release symbolising a key milestone in his career.
The Present Edition is Billy Walker’s first-ever use of Japanese Mizunara oak, and represents the pioneering wood policy he is currently implementing at The GlenAllachie Distillery. With a particular focus on experimenting with interesting and rare casks from small-scale, premium producers, the Speyside distillery’s annual cask budget for 2022 stands at £2 million.
Commenting on the launch, Billy Walker, said: “As a Master Distiller, I’m regularly asked what proportion of the flavour profile of a whisky I attribute to the wood, to which I answer at least 70 per cent. As a chemist, I find supervising the flavour development of our whisky as it interfaces with interesting cask types truly fascinating. One thing I’ve absolutely learnt in the last 50 years is that there are no short cuts to achieving quality.”
He went onto say: “I’m incredibly proud to release my first ever Mizunara virgin oak finished whisky; a cask type that has of course been on my radar to experiment with, not deterred by its undeniable challenges! I was confident that it would perfectly complement the bold nature of The GlenAllachie, and we’re delighted with the outcome. A very proud moment for a special personal milestone.”
Limited to 2,900 bottles, The GlenAllachie Billy Walker 50th Anniversary Present Edition, is now available from specialist retailers for a RRP of £280.00.
Posted by Steve Rush