Day 20
From the Gleann Aileachaidh, or the ‘Valley of Rocks’ (the original Gaelic name before becoming GlenAllachie) in Speyside comes this strongly sherried single malt chockfull of Christmas spices – cloved orange peel, heather honey, velvety treacle, cinnamon and bitter chocolate. Master distiller Billy Walker and his team na bi fois – ‘leave no stone unturned’ – in their process, a fact made clear through their whisky. Over 10 years of ageing, this whisky has matured in a combination of bourbon, Pedro Ximénez puncheon Oloroso and virgin oak casks. Bottled at a hefty 58.2% ABV, today’s dram provides warmth against harsh winter winds. The comforting flavours of orchard fruits, nutmeg, dried fruit peels, stem ginger and rye provide us with a moment of a festive moment of peace before we are reminded of all the Christmas presents we still have to buy.
