Glenallachie White Heather 21 Years Old 48% NV

Professionele reviews

Serge Valentin (88)

They say two things on the label, first that it is made with 'an exceptional degree of craft and care', which I'm ready to believe after its excellent little brother the 15 that we tried a few months ago, and second, that is it 'as rare as white heather'. Well, it may be rare in Scotland, but next time they're in France, we'll show them a lot of that 'Erica heather'. Which, by the way, lets the bees make one of the best honeys, in my opinion. Anyway… Colour: full gold. Nose: a little burnt wood and cake at first, then old rancio and garden peat, pipe tobacco, camphor with clove syrup, oloroso, old walnuts, orange bitters, furniture polish… It's the 'darker', old-school style, as we sometimes say. The opposite of the Johnnie Walker. Mouth: there must be some old casks in there, I'm finding a lot of 'old' chocolate, mentholy woods, indeed old oloroso, bitter resins, black tobacco (Gauloise)… They really managed to make us feel some oldness, but it never feels tired. Berries-and-chocolate bars then. Finish: long and fruitier. Chocolate filled with fruit liqueurs, Jaffa cakes in the aftertaste. Comments: is there even any grain whisky in there? Or perhaps some 30-40yo Invergordon ex-sherry? One of the best blends around these days, in my opinion.

Gal Granov (86)

Words of whisky:

White Heather 21 Years consists of a large portion of malt whisky (47%), which is divided in Highland malts (20%), Speyside malt (23%) and Islay malt (4%). Worldwide only 2000 bottles are available.

White Heather 21 Years (48%, OB, 2021)
Nose: A gentle, soft first impression with notes of orange liqueur, subtle oak shavings and a whisper of crisp green apple. There’s a touch of honeycomb and licorice, as well as some mint and dark caramel.
Taste: Sweet yet rather an intense arrival. Some tannins as well as white pepper, followed by bitter oranges, Werther’s Original and molasses. Some earthy touches and a whisper of mint as well.
Finish: Soft oak, lingering spices and a touch of honey.

Score: 86

Even though this blend has a high malt content, it reminds me more of a well-aged grain whisky. These kinds of whiskies can be enjoyable, but there’s also a limit to their complexity and depth.

BOW (89.50)