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Forbes
29-03-2025
- Business
- Forbes
GlenAllachie Crowned Best Single Malt Scotch Whisky At The 2025 World Whiskies Awards
GlenAllachie 12 YO Single Malt Scotch Whisky was crowned the World's Best Single Malt at the 2025 World Whisky Awards The World Whisky Awards (WWA) is among the most prestigious whisky competition in the world. It's judging results are closely followed by whisky enthusiasts worldwide. GlenAllachie's 12 YO Single Malt Scotch Whisky was crowned the World's Best Single Malt Whisky at the 2025 WWA. Below is a brief description of the distillery and tasting notes. The GlenAllachie Distillery was established in the heart of Scotland's Speyside region in 1967. By Scotch whisky standards, it is a relatively new distillery. The distillery has had several owners since its founding. It was built by Mackinlay McPherson, a Scottish & Newcastle Breweries subsidiary, in response to the whisky boom of the 1960s. The renowned architect William Delmé-Evans designed the facility. In 1985, GlenAllachie was sold to Invergordon Distillers, and in 1989, it became part of Pernod Ricard following its acquisition of Invergordon. Under Pernod, the distillery continued to be a significant source of malt for blended Scotch whiskies. From 2001 on, GlenAllachie was part of Chivas Brothers, Pernod's whisky arm, and supplied malt for its blends. In 2017, Billy Walker, along with Graham Stevenson and Trisha Savage, purchased GlenAllachie. This marked the beginning of a new chapter for the distillery. Walker, a respected figure in the whisky industry, is known for revitalizing distilleries. He shifted GlenAllachie to producing an expanded product range featuring premium single malt Scotch whiskies. Under his guidance, the distillery has embraced traditional methods while implementing innovative aging and finishing techniques to enhance the complexity and uniqueness of its whiskies. The distillery uses traditional pot stills for distillation and sources assorted cask types for aging, including ex-bourbon, ex-sherry, and virgin oak. It has also experimented with diverse oak varieties. This diverse cask usage creates various flavor profiles in their whiskies, from rich and deep to light and vibrant. GlenAllachie whiskies are known for their depth, layered complexity, and richness. The whiskies typically exhibit honey, vanilla, and fruit notes on the nose. The richer, more robust expressions show darker fruit, chocolate, and spice notes from the wine and sherry cask influence. The palate balances sweetness from malt, fruitiness, spiciness, and sometimes nutty or woody nuances. The various cask types contribute complexity with flavors ranging from caramel and toffee to dried fruits and nuts. The whisky is aged in American oak, Pedro Ximénez (PX), and Oloroso Sherry casks. The casks impart depth and various flavors, giving the whisky a broad, flavorful spectrum and a nuanced, layered complexity. The influence of the Sherry casks is also evident in the whisky's rich amber color. Honey, vanilla, apple, and pear notes dominate the whisky's nose, followed by butterscotch and almond hints, subtle floral undertones, and a trace of oak spice. This is a classic Speyside aroma profile whose complexity is enhanced by the Sherry cask influence. The whisky is rich, sweet, and robust on the palate. It features a complex array of caramel, fruitcake, and spicy oak flavors. The cooked cereal maltiness is well-balanced by the sweetness, creating a full-bodied, smooth, and creamy mouthfeel with a distinct weight. The finish is long and sweet, with lingering dark chocolate, cinnamon, nutmeg, and hints of dried fruit notes from the sherry cask influence. The result is a flavorful, complex whisky. Overall, The GlenAllachie 12 YO is a testament to the distillery's dedication to quality and innovation in whisky making. It represents a superb example of modern Speyside whisky, balancing traditional Scotch whisky flavors with new influences from diverse cask aging. Its recognition as the World's Best Single Malt Scotch Whisky is well deserved. At an average US retail price of just $67, you must add this incredible value to your whisky collection. See also the 2025 World Whisky Awards results for The World's Best Single Malts, The World's Best Blended Scotch Whiskies and The World's Best American Whiskeys.
Forbes
29-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Forbes
The World's Best Single Malt Scotch—According To The 2025 World Whiskies Awards
The big winners have been announced at the 2025 World Whiskies Awards. And there's already a ton of buzz surrounding the results. For good reason. The highly respected competition debuted back in 2007 and since that time it has served as something of a kingmaker for now-legendary labels of liquid that were once considered obscure. We're not just talking about best scotch here, either. In 2012, WWA helped hoist Japanese whisky on the global map when it named Yamazaki 25 that year's best single malt. 24 months later, Australian whisky was ready for its star turn when Sullivan's Cove took the 2014 top prize back home to Tasmania. This year that title was retained by the style's most traditional home of Scotland. Yes, the winning entry--The GlenAllachie 12--is indeed a single malt scotch. Nevertheless, the champion is a bottling from a brand that remains relatively unknown…To many casual drinkers here in the US, that is. Veritable scotch enthusiasts have been well aware of its excellence since at least 2017, when industry icon Billy Walker (formerly of The Glendronach) assumed the reins of the Speyside-based distillery. In the ensuing years, limited edition releases from the facility have been met by lengthy queues and growing demand. Many experts and connoisseurs we've spoken to in recent years haven't been shy to label GlenAllachie--and its stock of superb, sherry-forward malts--as "the next Macallan.' All this is to say, if you've been sleeping on this spirit it's time to wake up. And the 12-year-old-label happens to be a great starting point on your journey of awakening. Comprising robust malt that was matured in a combination of PX as well as Oloroso sherry casks, the 46% ABV, non-chill-filtered offering is especially typical of the house style. The distinguished palates at the World Whiskies Awards had this to say when singling it out as the best in show: A delicious assortment of tasting notes, to be sure. As an added cherry on top, however, this is a readily available release currently sitting on US shelves at around $72 a bottle. But then again, age statement Yamazaki was once similarly-priced before the World Whiskies Awards came along and changed the fate--and associated cost--of that brand forever.
Forbes
27-03-2025
- Business
- Forbes
The World's Best Single Malt-According To The 2025 World Whiskies Awards
The GlenAllachie Speyside Single Malt 12-Year-Old Scotch lovers rejoice! The World Whiskies Awards, the world's most prominent international spirits competition dedicated entirely to whisky, just announced their champions for 2025. An outrageously affordable bottle was just named the World's Best Single Malt. That's just the type of news Scotch lovers need in these uncertain times. The World Whiskies Awards, founded in 2007, is a highly selective international competition that crowns the world's best whisky. It puts every bottle through a multi-stage judging process where a group of esteemed judges evaluate each entry's appearance, nose, taste, balance, finish, character, and complexity. Part of what makes it so unique is that it takes the best bottles from regions across the globe to all compete for the title of world's best. Think of it as the ultimate booze-based championship where only one bottle remains at the end. This year, The GlenAllachie Speyside Single Malt 12 Years Old beat out 29 other top single malts from around the world, including five other Scots, to claim the title of the world's best. And get this - it only costs $67! What a steal for a world-class whisky. GlenAllachie was opened in 1967 in Aberlour, Scotland, at the foot of Ben Rinnes mountain. It was shuttered in 1985 and sat silent for four years before Pernod Richard/Campbell Distillers purchased it to serve as a production facility for scotch to be used in its premium blended Chivas Regal. Recognizing its potential, legendary Master Distiller Billy Walker, famous for reviving once forgotten distilleries BenRiach, Glendronach, and Glenglassaugh, purchased the distillery and brand in 2017. It has been nothing short of a smashing success since. Part of GlenAllachie's success has been the wide range of aged single malts dating back to the 1970s that were included in the purchase, which attracted Walker to the distillery in the first place. Because the distillery had no past history of bottlings to compete against, Walker envisioned a blank slate where he could pursue whatever flavors he thought fit. They launched their single-malt brand in 2018, and the drinking public took notice. Their first releases were a range of single malts from 10 to 18 years old, solely focused on the Speyside region. Priced affordably, they quickly became highly sought-after bottles. It was in 2021 that The GlenAllachie officially arrived on the international awards circuit. [22] That year, their 10-Year-Old Cask Strength won the World's Best Single Malt title at the World Whiskies Awards, plus Walker was inducted into Whisky Magazine's Hall of Fame. These achievements helped propel the GlenAllachie brand onto the international stage and set the stage for its continued success, including the latest World's Best title this year for the 12-Year-Old expression. The GlenAllachie Speyside Single Malt 12-Year-Old, the distillery's flagship bottling, is made using malted barley from the Moray Firth coast run through its Porteus mill installed in 1967 and water from nearby. It then went through a traditional double distillation process before being racked in the finest wood that Walker could source. It then spent twelve long years aging in the ever-changing Speyside weather in non-climate-controlled warehouses. The resultant liquid, an unpeated single malt, is loaded with flavors that make it an enjoyable dram from first sip. Here is what the judges had to say in their tasting notes. "A nose of rich sultanas, flapjacks, and milk chocolate, alongside acetone notes. On the palate, dried apple, gourmet chutney, orange zest, nutmeg, and cinnamon emerge, complemented by vanilla custard. The finish is medium-long, oily, and slightly warm, making for a very enjoyable dram." With its exceptional quality and depth of flavor profile, all for the remarkably affordable price of $67, it's no wonder the GlenAllachie 12-Year-Old was crowned the World's Best Single Malt. For a complete list of the other winning single-malts, visit the World Whiskies Awards, and if you want to grab a bottle of the champion, you can pick one up here or in most fine liquor stores. In a world often dominated by high-end, premium single malts, this award-winning bottle proves that exceptional quality and value can coexist, setting a new standard for what Scotch whisky lovers can expect from affordable, yet world-class, expressions. As the Scots would say, Slàinte Mhath! Follow here for the most up to date information about the ever changing beer, wine, and spirits industry.
Forbes
26-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Forbes
The World's Best Single Malt Scotch Whisky, According To The World Whiskies Awards
The World Whiskies Awards is one of the most prestigious whisky competitions in the world. Photo, courtesy World Whiskies Awards The World Whiskies Awards (WWA) have released their list of the world's best single malt whiskies. The winners are an eclectic mix of distillers from Scotland, the US, and Sweden. Below are backgrounds and tasting notes on the single malt whisky category winners. The GlenAllachie 12 YO was the World's Best Scotch Whisky. The whisky is a standout expression from GlenAllachie Distillery, located in the heart of Scotland's Speyside region. Under the guidance of industry veteran Billy Walker, the distillery has become a world-class Scotch whisky producer. Walker, known for his expertise and passionate approach to whisky making, has focused on crafting high-quality single malt scotch whiskies that showcase the unique characteristics of the distillery. The 12 YO expression is part of the core range and has been meticulously crafted by Walker from hand-selected casks to showcase the GlenAllachie style. It is matured in a combination of Pedro Ximenez (PX), Oloroso Sherry, and virgin oak casks, contributing to its rich flavor and complexity. The whisky is fruity and aromatic on the nose, featuring honey, butterscotch, and dried fruit notes of raisins and figs. A subtle hint of wood spices, particularly cinnamon and nutmeg, adds complexity. The Sherry influence is unmistakable, manifesting itself in candied orange zest and subtle roasted almond notes. The whisky is rich, sweet, and full-bodied on the palate. It features a complex array of caramel, creamy vanilla, dark chocolate, and cooked fruits, alongside a spicier profile of black pepper and ginger. The influence of the sherry cask is evident but well-integrated, providing a silky mouthfeel without overpowering the other flavors. The finish is long and sweet, with a layered complexity of lingering spice, seasoned oak, and slight herbal notes. The GlenAllachie 12 YO is a beautifully crafted whisky that showcases the distillery's commitment to quality and the skill of its makers. Its balance of sweetness and spice, enriched by the nuanced contributions of different cask types, makes it an excellent addition to any whisky collection. At an average US price of $67, according to Wine Searcher, it's also an outstanding value from one of the world's best single malt Scotch whiskies. See also, How Oak Shapes Scotch Whisky: The GlenAllachie Virgin Oak Series. American single malt whiskey and ice getty Andalusia Whiskey Company's Stryker Ex Haak Madeira Cask Finished Single Malt was the World's Best Small Batch Single Malt. The craft distillery in Texas is known for producing a range of American single malt whiskies, combining traditional methods with innovative aging techniques to create unique flavor profiles. This whisky starts as a triple-distilled, Andalusia's Stryker, a smoky American single malt that draws its influence from classic peated Scotch whiskies. The Stryker is known for its bold, smoky character, further enhanced by additional aging in casks that previously held Madeira wine. This secondary maturation process aims to infuse the whisky with the rich, sweet, and complex profiles typical of Madeira wine, creating a harmonious blend of smoke and dried fruit sweetness. On the nose, the whiskey features an intriguing combination of peat smoke balanced by rich, dried fruit aromas of figs and raisins, accompanied by caramel, vanilla, some candied citrus zest, and a hint of roasted nuts. The whisky presents a robust peatiness on the palate, softened by the Madeira sweetness and accompanied by dark chocolate and cooked dark fruits. The texture is smooth and somewhat oily, with a distinctive creaminess and mouth weight that balances the intensity of the smoke. The finish is long and sweet, with lingering peaty elements, dark dried fruit, and spice notes of cinnamon and clove. This Stryker whisky from Andalusia Whiskey Company showcases their commitment to craft and innovation. It appeals to whisky enthusiasts who appreciate a complex, layered whisky experience that combines traditional smoky notes with the unexpected richness of Madeira wine cask finishing. The High Coast Small Batch 11 was the World's Best Single Cask Single Malt Whisky. Unfortunately, the whisky is only available at a handful of Swedish retailers. High Coast Distillery, previously known as The Box Distillery, is in Ådalen, Sweden. Renowned for its innovative approach to whisky production, High Coast sits near the Ångerman River, where the dramatic seasonal shifts between warm and cold climates and diurnal temperature fluctuations contribute significantly to the maturation process of its whiskies. GreatDrams is an independent bottler that sources and bottles unique, often limited-edition whiskies. The Campbeltown Blended Malt Scotch Whisky is a blend of single malts exclusively from the Campbeltown region, one of Scotland's distinctive whisky-producing areas. Campbeltown was once known as the "whisky capital of the world" with over 30 distilleries; now only a few remain, but they are well regarded for their distinctive, often maritime-influenced Scotch whiskies. The nose reflects the maritime character of Campbeltown single malts with sea spray, iodine, and a hint of peat smoke accompanied by dried fruit notes of raisins and apricots, vanilla, caramel, a slight nuttiness, and a touch of earthiness. On the palate, the whisky has the robust character typical of Campbeltown whiskies, featuring salted caramel, brine, candied orange zest, and pronounced peat smoke notes. It's medium-bodied with a creamy texture and a layered complexity from the saline, smoky notes and the richer, sweeter undertones of dried fruits and spices. The finish is long with a dried fruit sweetness and lingering, maritime, smoky, and slightly oaky notes. Like others selected or blended by GreatDrams, this whisky is designed to showcase the character and diversity of its source regions while appealing to whisky enthusiasts with its uniqueness and quality. The 2025 World Whisky Awards showcased an outstanding array of single malt whiskies. While a Scotch whisky took the top honors as The World's Best Single Malt, the presence of an American and Swedish single malt among the category winners is compelling proof that outstanding single malt whisky is being produced worldwide. See The Best American Whiskies for additional coverage of the 2025 World Whiskies Awards and The Top Value Sherried Single Malt Scotch Whisky.
