95 points,"Berries, poached pear and spicy, honey-smoked ham on the fruity nose. Delicate Asian spices with soft baked peaches, apples and hints of tropical and lime. Richly textured with a warming, spicy finish."- International Wine&Spirit Competition 2022 The impressive score and tasting note above for this vibrant Scotch were awarded by a tasting panel that included Richard Paterson OBE, a whisky maker so skilled he once insured his nostrils for£1.6 million with Lloyd's of London. So, that's quite the endorsement. This was the most important release in the history of The GlenAllachie Distillers Company, as this 12 Year Old forms the heart of their core range. Oh, boy! It delivers on all that expectation. Chalk this up to a win for independence, quality over quantity and breaking the mould. Master Distiller Billy Walker (formerly of BenRiach, GlenDronach and Glenglassaugh) has used his half-century of experience to deliver a stunning Scotch, which was crowned'Best Speyside Scotch 12 Years and Under'at the World Whiskies Awards 2022. Considering this region is home to household names like Macallan, Glenlivet, Glenfiddich, Glenfarclas and Balvenie, this is an immense achievement. Matured in a mixture of virgin oak, Oloroso Sherry and Pedro Ximénez Sherry casks, it pulses with heather honey, cinnamon bun, butterscotch, chocolate-covered raisins, buttered hot cross bun, Medjool dates, banana, apricot, peach, vanilla yoghurt, mocha, orange zest, damson, apple pie and five spice. A silky showstopper for Speyside. GlenAllachie - pronounced'Glen-al-ACK-ee'- is one of those intriguing Single Malts that you've probably loved for some time, but just without realising it yet. This Speyside distillery, nestled at the foot of Ben Rinnes near Aberlour, was designed by William Delmé-Evans - the architect who also planned Tullibardine and Isle of Jura. The vast majority of GlenAllachie's whisky has gone into the much-loved Chivas Brothers blends, hence why you're probably already a fan. Now independently owned by The GlenAllachie Distillers Company Limited, a new range of whiskies has begun to emerge, which has scooped them Scottish Whisky Distillery of the Year 2019, World's Best Single Malt at the 2021 World Whiskies Awards, and more than 50 other awards in just three years. You're going to want to make space in your collection for GlenAllachie.£8.29 per 100.00ml