GlenAllachie 15 Year Old, Royal Mile Whiskies Exclusive Arran Private Cask & Cragganmore Distillers Edition
- Mr Dram Man
- Apr 6
- 3 min read
When it comes to single malt whisky, the cask is everything. It’s the cradle in which character is born, nurtured, and shaped over time. Today, we explore three standout expressions that highlight the diversity of 3 different casks: sherry, bourbon and port. The indulgent richness of The GlenAllachie 15 Year Old; the bright, fruity elegance of the Royal Mile Whiskies Exclusive Arran Single Cask and the classic Speyside flavour of Cragganmore Distillers Edtion.
🥃 The GlenAllachie 15 Year Old
This Sherry-matured single malt is a masterclass in balance and boldness. Meticulously crafted and matured in sherry casks (both PX and Oloroso), it’s bottled at a robust 46% ABV without chill-filtration or added colouring — a true expression of the distillery’s philosophy. This was added to the core range a few years ago alongside the 12 and 18yr old bottlings.
Cask Influence:
Matured in the finest Sherry wood, imparting deep, complex layers of flavour and colour.
Appearance:
Intense mahogany — rich, dark, and inviting.
Nose:
Dark cherries
Golden syrup
Sweet spices (cinnamon, perhaps a touch of clove)
Toffee, glazed figs, and honey roasted peanuts
Palate:
Heather honey (a GlenAllachie signature)
Orange peel
Cocoa and ginger
Finishes with caramelised brown sugar
This is a dram built for indulgence. Full-bodied and luxurious, it’s a whisky that rewards slow sipping and deep appreciation. 93/100
🥃 Royal Mile Whiskies Exclusive – Arran Single Cask (First Fill Bourbon)
An exclusive release that’s as vibrant as the island it hails from. Distilled on 19th December 2011 and bottled on 5th September 2024, this is one of only 225 bottles drawn from a First Fill Bourbon cask — a match made in heaven for Arran’s naturally fruity spirit.
Cask Influence:
First Fill Bourbon — accentuates fruit and brings a creamy vanilla profile without overpowering the spirit.
Appearance:
Golden straw.
Nose:
Sweet vanilla
Coconut pastry
Lemon zest
Almonds
Palate:
Butter pastries
Strawberry jam
Bassets liquorice allsorts
A beautifully balanced dram with a fresh, approachable character. Bottled at a great abv and full of warming flavours, perfect spring evening dram. Whether you’re celebrating or just unwinding after a long day, this one fits the moment. 92/100
🥃Cragganmore Distillers Edition
A classic bottling from Diageo – the distiller editions intentions is to showcase some of the Master Distillers favourite cask expressions from each of their distilleries. Cragganmore isn’t – in my opinion a well know distillery but if you have had any Johnnie Walker over the years then you have tasted plenty of it as it is a key expression involved in many of their blends.
Cask Influence:
Matured in Port seasoned American Oak casks.
Nose:
Haribo cherries
Candyfloss
Honey
Palate:
Cherry Bakewell
Strawberries and cream
Sweet oak
This is a great demonstration of what Cragganmore has to offer and the lovely fruity influence port casks can have. Vibrant and fruity and great for a summers evening. would be better at and abv of 44% or higher personally but still great nonetheless.
🥃 Final Thoughts
The GlenAllachie 15 Year Old wraps you in rich, sherry-soaked warmth, ideal for a quiet night and a contemplative pour. Meanwhile, the Arran Single Cask sings with zesty brightness and sweet oak — perfect for sharing or enjoying as a lively pre-dinner dram. Finally the Cragganmore showcases the perfect influence of a port cask on a Speyside whisky. Whichever direction your palate leans, one of these expressions will suit you.
Which was your favourite?
GlenAllachie 15
RMW Arran 12yr Private Bourbon cask
Cragganmore Distillers Edition
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