Just now The Whisky Exchange presented its latest exclusive. It is a GlenAllachie 2007 which rested 14 years in first-fill bourbon and 4 years in a virgin American oak barrel. This is probably the smartest option for new oak, not letting the raw wood overtake the spirit. As you know virgin oak is quite a big theme for this distillery.
GlenAllachie 18 yo 2007 (59,1%, OB for The Whisky Exchange 2025, virgin oak barrel #6453, 272 btl.)
Nose: lots of rounded vanilla notes, brown sugar and cake. Also spearmint and clove studded oranges, as well as a hint of caramelised white chocolate. Some oak shavings, but the sweet fruitiness at its core (apricot) is big enough to withstand the new oak. Then also mead and floral honey, candied ginger and hints of butter cream.
Mouth: the wood is more prominent now, leaving behind some warming American whiskey markers. Think maple syrup, leathery notes, clove and a bit of chilli. Then back to toffee, orange zest, a bit of coconut cake and baking spice, mostly cinnamon. Hints of gingerbread and pecan pie with whiffs of earthy pepper.
Finish: quite long, with more caramelized nuts, mint, cardamom and salted butter.
A warming after-dinner dram, for people who can’t decide between Scotch and bourbon whiskey. Modern whisky, but quite a nice example of this style, backed by fruity notes and roundness. Now available from The Whisky Exchange.