GlenAllachie has relaunched in Singapore with updated branding and a modern design, signalling its ambition as a serious contender in the single malt whisky scene. While the look has changed, the whisky’s award-winning quality remains constant.
The distillery’s transformation began in 2017, when Billy Walker and his partners acquired the GlenAllachie from Pernod Ricard. Established in 1967 by Mackinlay McPherson, GlenAllachie had long operated behind the scenes, producing whisky primarily for blended Scotch. The takeover ushered in a new chapter, transforming the distillery into an independent single malt producer, with a renewed focus on craftsmanship and innovation that distinguishes it from its past.
At the Singapore launch, Walker made his first appearance in the city since taking over GlenAllachie. The whisky veteran, with 52 years of experience, drew whisky connoisseurs and enthusiasts alike. The event, held at Yang Gallery at voco, featured a media session ahead of the main launch, where the new packaging was revealed while Walker shared insights into the distillery’s transformation and his vision for its future.
Billy Walker, holder of BSc Honours in Chemistry from the University of Glasgow, has over 50 years experience in making whisky. In 2004, he co-founded The BenRiach Distillery Company, acquiring and revitalising three iconic distilleries: BenRiach, GlenDronach, and Glenglassaugh. [Photo: Andy Bate]
New packaging
The rebranding features a distinctive new typography with hand-crafted letterforms, reflecting the brand’s premium identity. The slanted design draws inspiration from the unique silhouette of the distillery’s gable end, symbolising both its physical structure and GlenAllachie’s upward trajectory. Natural hues dominate the updated look, with a carefully chosen dual-tone palette that embodies the balance between logic and instinct – a fitting tribute to Walker’s whisky-making philosophy.
Colette Savage, Marketing Director at The GlenAllachie shares, “A key stipulation of the project was to ensure we performed a rejuvenation rather than an overhaul. Indeed, the iconic bottle and core range colours are integral to The GlenAllachie’s brand identity and have been retained. The visual progression will aid in shaping the future of the brand as a heavy hitter in the Speyside single malt space.”
Media session of the relaunch was held at Backdrop Bar Singapore. The whiskies were paired with food curated by Dario Knox and the team. [Photo: AsiaEuro Singapore]
Whisky in Good Hands
GlenAllachie’s new brand motto, Whisky in Good Hands, encapsulates the distillery’s pledge to crafting exceptional whisky while prioritising sustainability. Since its acquisition, GlenAllachie has embraced a slower, more quality-driven production approach. Within just nine months of taking over the distillery, the first single malt core range was launched using existing stock from the 16 on-site warehouses. This shift in approach has meant reducing production from 4 million litres annually to just 800,000 litres – less than 25% of the distillery’s full capacity. The decision allows for attention to detail and making sure that every batch is treated to its fullest potential.
For two weeks a year, GlenAllachie also produce a peated version of the same liquid, Meikle Toir in small batch.
In 2023, GlenAllachie started a decarbonisation initiative, backed by a grant from the Scottish Government’s SIEFT programme. This project saw the installation of Mechanical Vapour Recompression (MVR) technology, which is expected to reduce energy demands by half. To power the MVR sustainably, 134 solar panels were also installed, taking a significant step in reducing the distillery’s environmental footprint and contributing to a greener future for whisky production.
GlenAllachie 35-Year-Old: The oldest expression yet
During the relaunch, GlenAllachie unveiled its oldest expression to date, the 35-year-old whisky. The 35-year-old expression is the result of selection of six casks, with whisky dating back to the summer of 1989.
The GlenAllachie's oldest expression to date, 35-YO is bottled from 6 casks and only 88 bottles are available in Singapore. [Photo: GlenAllachie]
Housed in a lavish oak presentation box handmade in the UK, this limited-edition single malt has been matured in a combination of three Pedro Ximénez casks, one Oloroso, and two virgin oak barrels. The whisky is described as offering a "luscious harmony of rich mocha, tropical pineapple, warming spices, and indulgent treacle tart."
Featuring intricate carvings on the base, a plush moleskin-coloured interior, and a solid brass angle with a plaque celebrates the cask selection, the wide-shoulder bottle is encased in a removable oak plinth cradles the decanter. An accompanying booklet, printed on FSC-certified paper made from spent malt, includes Walker’s handwritten notes on the creation of this release.
A New Production Philosophy
Scaling down production has allowed GlenAllachie to focus on crafting exceptional new-make spirit. A standout feature of this approach is its extended fermentation period, which can last up to 160 hours, nearly triple the industry average. This method yields a distillate with greater complexity and depth, forming the foundation for GlenAllachie's flavour-forward whiskies.
The core range reflects this commitment, with expressions aged from 10 to 21 years. Notably, the 10-Year-Old was named Best Single Malt at the World Whiskies Awards 2021, underscoring the distillery's dedication to quality. These whiskies offer an array of bold and nuanced profiles, appealing to both novices and connoisseurs.
GlenAllachie's glass bottles are 100% recyclable and generate no waste during production. Labels are Forest Stewardship Council approved with tree-planting requirements and digitally printed labels use 80% less material than conventional printing techniques. [Photo: GlenAllachie]
At the heart of GlenAllachie's excellence is Billy Walker’s unmatched expertise in wood management. “Casks are critical; they contribute about 70 percent of the flavour to the whisky,” Walker explained. He emphasizes balance, pairing rich casks with GlenAllachie's spirit, monitoring their development closely, and allowing instinct and experience to guide the process. “Instinct tells you what to do, and chemistry explains why it happens,” said the whisky veteran.
Looking ahead, Walker revealed that from 2027 onwards, GlenAllachie’s releases will showcase the cumulative results of the distillery’s innovations. This includes a variety of cask programs and potentially younger expressions, aimed at complementing the existing portfolio and engaging a broader audience.
Building for the Future
Sustainability is central to GlenAllachie's long-term vision. The distillery has embraced cutting-edge technologies like Mechanical Vapour Recompression (MVR) to halve energy demands, reduce carbon emissions, and conserve water. This system is powered by 134 solar panels installed nearby, underlining GlenAllachie’s commitment to environmental responsibility.
Walker also revealed plans for a next-generation boiler capable of burning a mix of natural gas and hydrogen, ensuring the distillery is well-positioned to adopt future sustainable energy solutions. “We anticipate this technology may be viable in four to five years,” he added.
Operating as a private company gives GlenAllachie the freedom to experiment and innovate. “Some might call it recklessness,” Walker quipped, “but it allows us to pursue bold ideas and cater to younger consumers who are more experimental in their tastes. Today’s whisky is unquestionably better than what was made 50, 60, or even 70 years ago.”
In Singapore, GlenAllachie’s whiskies are exclusively imported by AsiaEuro Singapore.
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