GlenAllachie 2015 The Sinteis Series Part 2 Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky 70 cl 58,2%

French oak and Spanish sherry rarely share a glass. In this release, Billy Walker brings the two together, and the result tastes like nothing else coming out of Speyside.

Expert description

GlenAllachie 2014 The Sinteis Series Part 3 is a Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky matured in a combination of French virgin oak and Oloroso sherry casks, bottled at cask strength of 57.4%.

The Sinteis Series is Billy Walker's ongoing exploration of cask types rarely used in Scotch whisky production. The name is taken from the Scottish Gaelic word for synthesis, and each release in the series looks at how two very different cask types can shape the same spirit in their own way. Part 3 puts the focus on French virgin oak, whose tight, spicy oak character stands in clear contrast to the heavy fruit sweetness of Oloroso sherry.

This whisky comes from the 2014 vintage and was bottled in 2026, giving it around 12 years of cask maturation before it was bottled non-chill filtered and without added colour.

Tasting notes

Nose

The nose opens with toasted oak and a touch of vanilla pod, quickly followed by dark sherry sweetness – think raisins, fig and a hint of leather. Underneath sits a spicy note of clove and fresh sawn oak from the French casks.

Palate

On the palate, the characteristic Oloroso sweetness arrives first with stewed dark fruit, before the French oak takes over with a dry, slightly tight tannic spice. The cask strength gives the whisky a weight that holds the flavours together without becoming fiery.

Finish

Long and dry, with a finish of dark chocolate, toasted nuts and a last trace of sherry sweetness fading slowly away.

Specifications

Name: GlenAllachie 2014 The Sinteis Series Part 3
Distillery: GlenAllachie
Region/Country: Speyside, Scotland
Type: Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Age: 12 years
ABV: 57.4%
Size: 70 CL
Cask type: French virgin oak and Oloroso sherry casks
Non-chill filtered: Yes
Natural colour: Yes
Edition: The Sinteis Series Part 3
EAN number: 5060568329871

Flavour profile

Sherry sweetness · French oak spice · Cask strength · Dark fruit · Toasted notes

Did you know?

Most Scottish distilleries stick to American or European oak, but GlenAllachie is one of the few that deliberately experiments with French virgin oak – a cask type far more common in cognac and wine production than in Scotch whisky.

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Frequently asked questions about GlenAllachie 2014 The Sinteis Series Part 3

What is The Sinteis Series?

It is a series from GlenAllachie in which Billy Walker explores how different cask types shape the same spirit. Part 3 is matured in a combination of French virgin oak and Oloroso sherry casks.

Is the whisky chill filtered?

No, it is non-chill filtered, meaning the natural oils and fatty acids from the casks remain in the bottle.

Is any colour added?

No, the colour comes solely from the casks the whisky has matured in.

How old is the whisky?

It comes from the 2014 vintage and was bottled in 2026, giving it around 12 years of maturation.

What is cask strength?

Cask strength means the whisky is bottled directly from the cask without being reduced to a standard strength. This release has a cask strength of 57.4%.

How should the whisky be served?

Try it neat at room temperature first, then add a few drops of water if you want to open up the spicy notes from the French oak.

Where does the whisky come from?

It is distilled at GlenAllachie in Speyside, a distillery that has been led by Billy Walker since 2017 and is known for its experimental approach to cask maturation.