The GlenAllachie Unveils Sinteis Part I: A 2014 Chinquapin & Pedro Ximénez Cask Matured Single Malt
The GlenAllachie Distillery launches an exciting new limited-edition series today: Sinteis — meaning "synthesis" in Scottish Gaelic. Spearheaded by Master Distiller Billy Walker, this inaugural release merges two distinct cask types to craft a harmonized expression. Sinteis Part I is a 2014 vintage single malt matured in Chinquapin virgin oak and Pedro Ximénez Sherry puncheons, bottled at natural cask strength. Available from today at £74.99 (UK RRSP), it marks a significant step in the distillery's innovation journey.
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Key Takeaways
Whisky: The GlenAllachie Sinteis Part I
Vintage: 2014
Maturation: Chinquapin Virgin Oak & Pedro Ximénez Sherry Casks
ABV: 57.8% (Natural Cask Strength)
Price: £74.99 (UK RRSP)
Availability: Launching at distillery and globally
Notable: Fusion of rare cask types, designed by Kayley Barbour
Aged to Perfection: Sinteis Part I's Craft and Composition
Master Distiller Billy Walker personally selected the casks for Sinteis Part I from The GlenAllachie's extensive inventory of 50,000 casks across 16 on-site warehouses.
Key Details:
Mash Bill: 100% malted barley
Vintage: 2014
Cask Types: Chinquapin Virgin Oak & First-Fill Pedro Ximénez Sherry Puncheons
Aging Duration: Approximately 10 years
ABV: 57.8% (Natural Cask Strength)
Pricing: £74.99 (UK RRSP)
Availability: Distillery visitor centre, online shop, and rolling global release
Tasting Notes:
Colour: Intense Walnut
Nose: Liquorice, butterscotch, grilled honeycomb, candied orchard fruits, cocoa, treacle tart
Palate: Ginger, butterscotch, candied lemon slices, fig jam, blackberries, molasses
Finish: Cinnamon spice and rich cocoa
With its bold ABV and non-chill-filtered nature, Sinteis Part I promises a rich, unadulterated whisky experience.
The Dual Cask Influence: Chinquapin Oak Meets Pedro Ximénez Sherry
Chinquapin, an American oak sourced from Missouri’s Ozark region, infuses Sinteis Part I with vibrant notes of sweet spices and aniseed. This complexity is beautifully balanced by the lush richness of Pedro Ximénez Sherry casks, imparting flavors of dark chocolate, ripe fruits, and treacle. Together, they create a whisky that is both intriguing and approachable — a true synthesis of bold character and beloved profiles.
Rarity, Craft, and Collector Appeal
Limited in availability, Sinteis Part I is aimed squarely at collectors and aficionados eager for something distinctive. Its packaging, designed by Scottish artist Kayley Barbour, features a hand-drawn symbol in foil representing the fusion of wood types — underscoring the concept of synthesis at the heart of this release. Bottled without chill-filtration or added color, Sinteis Part I maintains authenticity from cask to glass.
Comparing Sinteis to Other Prestige Releases
While ultra-aged releases like The Macallan 25-Year-Old Sherry Oak or GlenDronach's Kingsman Edition draw significant attention for their luxury profiles, Sinteis Part I offers a fresh concept at a more accessible price point. Its experimental cask fusion sets it apart from traditional single-cask or sherry-only matured expressions, appealing to adventurous palates looking for innovation within the single malt category.
What's Next for The GlenAllachie
Fresh from its World’s Best Single Malt award win, The GlenAllachie signals ongoing innovation with Sinteis. The distillery, led by Billy Walker’s passion for cask experimentation, is poised to unveil further editions within the Sinteis series, as well as new expressions across its broader portfolio, including Meikle Tòir and MacNair’s ranges.
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