The first instalment of a celebratory series unveiled to honour world-renowned Master Distiller Billy Walker’s 50-year spell in the industry.
This year Billy celebrates an achievement which few can share… an incredible five decades in the whisky industry. To mark this extraordinary milestone, we present a trilogy of single malts; The GlenAllachie Past, Present and Future Series. Each momentous whisky will represent key moments throughout our Master Distiller’s vibrant and highly acclaimed career.
The first instalment is a fully Sherry matured 16-year-old Single Malt, illustrating the role that Billy played in developing the classic heavily-sherried style of whiskies throughout the early 00’s. Billy personally selected nine 2005 vintage Spanish Sherry butts to create this sentimental limited-edition release, which is said to be “the archetypal Billy Walker Style”.
Exuding opulence and Sherry-matured sophistication, this mahogany malt is proudly presented at cask strength of 57.1% ABV, (4,000 bottles) at natural colour and without chill filtration for maximum flavour.
“I’m incredibly lucky to have been involved in the fascinating Scotch Whisky Industry for 50 long years. What a privilege it has been to have worked alongside some truly amazing people, and indeed to have been involved with some world-leading brands.”
“The latest adventure is The GlenAllachie Distillery, and without question, we are so very fortunate to be steering this great distillery into the future, introducing its whisky to an ardent international audience.”
Billy Walker – Master Distiller at The GlenAllachie Distillers Company
The GlenAllachie Billy Walker 50th Anniversary Past Edition – 100% Sherry Matured 16-year-old – 57.1% ABV
Colour: Deep Mahogany.
Nose: Waves of walnuts, heather honey and subtle dried fruits, followed by bursts of toasted coffee, orange peel and cinnamon sticks.
Taste: Lashings of fig syrup, caramelised muscovado sugar and roasted pine nuts with notes of heather honey, crystalised ginger and dried apricots.
Walker, who is a qualified chemist, has been at the helm of The GlenAllachie for almost five years, having previously led an illustrious and expansive career across numerous household name brands and companies. His enviable experience spans iconic names including Ballantine’s, Deanston, Tobermory, BenRiach, GlenDronach, Glenglassaugh and The GlenAllachie.
From his time working on these world-renowned brands, Walker has acquired an extensive understanding of whisky maturation; selecting the finest casks, continually evaluating the aging spirit, re-racking into new wood to elevate the flavour experience, and determining the perfect time for bottling. This incredibly broad spectrum of experience has translated into an unrivalled reputation amongst his peers and exceptional quality whiskies enjoyed across the globe.
Walker has achieved some exceptional accolades, most recently including:
- World’s Best Single Malt (World Whiskies Awards, 2021)
- Best Blended Malt Scotch (San Francisco World Spirits Competition, 2021)
- World’s Best Blended Malt (World Whiskies Awards, 2020)
- Master Distiller/Blender of the Year (Icons of Whisky, 2020)
In addition, Walker was inducted into Whisky Magazine’s prestigious Hall of Fame last year – a permanent tribute to the lasting contribution he has made to the world of whisky.
The GlenAllachie Billy Walker 50th Anniversary Past Edition is available to purchase through global specialist retailers, with a UK RRSP of £225.
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