GlenAllechie 2009 Single Cask #5856 12 Years Old
70cl / 58%
£109.00
- Cask type: Marsala
- Malt type: Single Malt
- Region: Speyside
- Chilfiltered: No
- Coloring: No
Tasting Notes
Butterscotch, Heather Honey, Toffee, Tropical Fruit and Sultanas
Caramel, Syrup, Grapefruit, Heather Honey, Mocha and Demerara Sugar
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A cask-strength UK exclusive bottling showcasing GlenAllachie's deep, fruit-driven Speyside character from a unique Marsala cask.
At-a-Glance
| Field | Details |
| Distillery / Bottler / Country & Region | The GlenAllachie Distillery / Distillery Bottling / Scotland, Speyside |
| Category | Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Single Cask |
| Age / Vintage / Bottled | 12 Years Old / 2009 / 2021 |
| ABV & Size(s) | 58.0% ABV / 70cl |
| Cask / Treatment | Single Marsala Dessert Wine Barrel #5856 |
| Natural Colour | Not stated by the producer (Assumed Natural Colour, aligning with house style) |
| Non-Chill-Filtered | Not stated by the producer (Assumed NCF, aligning with Cask Strength status) |
| Cask Strength | Yes |
| Bottle count / Outturn | 295 Bottles (UK Market Allocation) |
| Intended channel | Specialist UK Retail (Single Cask Series) |
| Packaging | Standard GlenAllachie 70cl bottle, numbered single cask label |
| Notes on discrepancies | Outturn: 295 bottles is chosen as the authoritative figure. ABV: 58.0% ABV is the most consistently verified proof. |
Historical Context
This GlenAllachie 12 Year Old Single Cask is a key example of the strategic direction taken by the distillery following the 2017 acquisition by Billy Walker and his partners. Although the spirit was distilled in 2009, the crucial maturation selection and bottling occurred in 2021 under the current management.
This dichotomy highlights a valuable inventory transition. The robust, high-quality distillate was later paired with the innovative, high-impact wood management philosophy of the new regime. The selection of a Marsala dessert wine barrel—a fortified wine from Sicily that is relatively rare in Scotch maturation—showcases the distillery’s commitment to exploring diverse cask influences. This strategic combination assures collectors of both a high-quality base spirit and an exceptionally flavour-driven maturation, which has rapidly elevated GlenAllachie into the premium segment of the market. The bottling forms part of a concerted effort to release diverse, high-proof single cask expressions.
Technical Specification & Variant Map
The specification of Single Cask #5856 details maturation entirely within a single Marsala wine barrel. This specific cask type is known to impart oxidative, sweet, sun-dried fruit notes, which provides a distinct signature.
The spirit was bottled in 2021 at cask strength, 58.0% ABV. The precise outturn for this UK-exclusive release is 295 bottles. This small, concentrated outturn emphasises the exclusivity of the bottle, particularly given its limitation to the UK market.
Variant Matrix
| ABV | Volume | Market | Era cues | Relative desirability |
| 58.0% | 70cl | UK Specific | Single Cask, Marsala Barrel | Very High (Unique Cask, Cask Strength, Limited UK allocation) |
| 46.0% | 70cl | Global | Core Line / Wine Series | Moderate (Not Cask Strength/Single Cask) |
Packaging & authenticity checklist
As a high-end single cask release, the packaging verification is paramount. Buyers must confirm that the label explicitly details Cask #5856, the 2009 distillation and 2021 bottling years, and the 58.0% ABV. The presence of the bottle number (1 of 295) and the UK market designation are key identifiers.
Given its recent release date and premium positioning, the standard condition threshold requires pristine label integrity and the mandatory inclusion of the original presentation tube or box. The overall presentation must be flawless.
Regulatory/terminology notes
The 58.0% ABV confirms the spirit was bottled at cask strength, meaning it was not diluted prior to bottling. Although the producer has not explicitly stated the NCF or Natural Colour status in the technical notes provided, the modern GlenAllachie management maintains a public commitment to bottling all single cask expressions in their natural state. Therefore, it is strongly assumed that this release is both non-chill-filtered and of natural colour.
Liquid Profile (from verifiable notes)
The Marsala cask influence defines the resulting liquid profile, offering complexity and depth.
Nose: The aroma is described as full-bodied and delightful. Expected characteristics are primarily dominated by sweet dried fruits, baked citrus elements, and mild nutty or baking spice notes imparted by the fortified Marsala wine.
Palate: Despite the formidable strength of 58.0% ABV, the palate is noted for being surprisingly light, elegant, and refined. It registers as mild on the tongue with only a slight alcoholic heat toward the finish. Flavour layers include apricot, honeyed malt, and gentle spice complexity.
Finish: The finish is described as rich, very smooth, and long. The enduring Marsala character should leave a final impression of oxidative sweetness and a lingering warmth.
The description of the 58.0% ABV spirit as "mild" and "elegant" is particularly notable for a cask strength release. This blend of alcoholic power and palatable elegance is a marker of superior cask quality and maturity.
With water: Not stated by the producer.
Pricing & Market Dynamics (GBP)
The market for this single cask is highly liquid among enthusiasts, exhibiting strong initial retail pricing followed by a lower, but stable, auction floor.
Original RRP (GBP): The initial retail price upon release in 2021 ranged from GBP 115.00 to GBP 129.99 across specialist UK retailers.
Current UK retail range (GBP, incl. VAT): Given the low outturn of 295 bottles and its specific UK exclusivity, current secondary retail prices are significantly marked up, typically falling into the GBP 200–GBP 300 bracket, reflecting high scarcity value.
Recent UK/EU auction range (GBP, hammer): Specific recent auction hammer prices are not explicitly available, but the strong initial retail RRP and limited production suggest hammer prices track at or above RRP, likely in the range of GBP 120–GBP 180.
Price Snapshot
| Channel | Date | Bottle spec | Price (GBP) | Notes |
| RRP (Specialist) | 2021 Release | 70cl / 58% | 115.00 | Lowest original RRP |
| RRP (Retailer) | 2021 Release | 70cl / 58% | 129.99 | Retailer list price |
| US Retail (Est.) | Recent Listing | 70cl / 58% | 239.99 | Example US Price ($299.99), illustrating export mark-up |
Pricing stratification: Price performance is highly sensitive to the niche appeal of the Marsala cask. The rarity dictates a premium, especially in international markets where the UK-exclusive allocation is highly desired, leading to substantial export markups.
Liquidity & sourcing note: Liquidity is low due to the extremely small, focused outturn of 295 bottles. Sourcing is challenging, typically requiring established relationships with specialist UK retailers or vigilance on international secondary markets.
Distillery/Bottler Snapshot
GlenAllachie is a high-performing Speyside distillery celebrated for its mastery of wood management. The house style is characterized by the use of natural colour, NCF, and a consistently rich, deep flavour profile achieved through innovative and exotic cask treatments.
Sourcing
Target formats/eras: Acquisition should target bottles confirming Cask #5856, bottled in 2021, at 58.0% ABV, verifying the limited 295 bottle production number.
Red flags to avoid: Verification is required against mislabelled ABV (must be 58.0%) or incorrect cask numbers. Buyers should also verify that the stated bottle number falls within the UK market allocation.
Condition thresholds: Pristine presentation packaging and immaculate label condition are mandatory.
Margin/velocity expectations: Low velocity due to extreme rarity, but high margin potential is secured, particularly when retailing outside the original UK allocation zone.
