First Impressions
GlenAllachie 12 — crowned World's Best Single Malt at the World Whiskies Awards 2025. Built in 1967 as a blending workhorse, GlenAllachie spent decades in obscurity until Billy Walker — the man who transformed BenRiach and GlenDronach — purchased it from Pernod Ricard in 2017.
Walker's Vision
Walker immediately applied his signature approach: exceptional sherry cask sourcing and bottling at 46% without chill filtration or colouring. The 12 Year Old launched in 2018 as the flagship, matured in Pedro Ximénez sherry, Oloroso sherry, and virgin oak casks. A distillery transformed from anonymous workhorse to world champion in seven years.
Tasting
Immediate sherry blast on the nose — raisins, dried fruit, violets. Thick, viscous palate with dark chocolate, baking spices, and toasted vanilla. The finish brings ginger warmth with a dry contrast. The Billy Walker signature: rich sherry influence, impeccable balance.
The Verdict
GlenAllachie 12 earns an 8.5 — outstanding value for a sherry-driven Speyside and now officially the world's best single malt. At £45, this is one of the most impressive whisky turnarounds in modern Scotch history. Billy Walker's Midas touch strikes again.
