Independent Scotch whisky distillery, The GlenAllachie, has debuted the first single malt to join its Master of Wood series – a 17-year-old Mizunara & Oloroso Sherry Cask Finish.
Spearheaded by whisky maker of 52 years, Billy Walker, the Speyside producer is known for its flair for sourcing and managing quality and unusual casks from around the world. The new 17-year-old expression features whisky matured in rare Mizunara oak barrels, combined with spirit from rich Oloroso Sherry puncheons and hogsheads.
Mizunara is a scarce Japanese oak seldom used for whisky maturation due to its high cost and the challenges it poses in coopering and maturation. Its tendency to twist as it grows can create issues during stave production, and its porous nature means its casks are inclined to leak.
Translating to ‘water oak’ in English, Mizunara has very low tannins but high levels of vanilla-flavoured compounds. Its casks typically impart notes of sweet spices, sandalwood and charred oak.
Produced in Spain’s Andalusia region, Oloroso is a dry Sherry style subjected to lengthy oxidative ageing without a ‘flor’ yeast layer. It is known for its dark colour and pronounced nutty, dried fruit qualities.
The unique expression is the first in the brand’s new Masters of Wood series – a super-premium arm of its Wood Collection reserved for its most luxurious and experimental wood finishes.
The Mizunara & Oloroso Sherry Cask Finish is presented at 50% ABV, without artificial colouring or chill filtration.
“As a chemist, I find both cask management and blending truly fascinating. This release combines the finest and rarest of casks with carefully considered blending,” said Walker.
“I feel incredibly fortunate to have worked with Mizunara, a very uncommon Japanese oak that provides exceptional character but, in turn, throws plenty of challenges our way. Having said that, the result is beyond worth the trials and tribulations.
“The flavour delivery from the Mizunara barrels, interwoven with the nutty, spicy character of the Oloroso casks, culminates in a spectacular single malt with delectable notes of apple strudel, runny honey, chocolate-covered hazelnuts and stem ginger. This is indulgence at its finest,” he said.
The GlenAllachie 17-year-old Mizunara & Oloroso Sherry Cask Finish will become increasingly available at specialist retailers globally, with a UK RRSP of £260.99 (~$506).
