GlenAllachie’s 12 Year Old expression has claimed whisky’s most coveted prize: World’s Best Single Malt 2025. This is the distillery's signature expression, and its new title as one of the greatest single malts in the world is well-deserved.
Crafted under the watchful eye of legendary master distiller Billy Walker, the 12 Year Old represents everything that makes this once-overlooked Speyside distillery special. Its rich, sherried flavours showcase Walker's expertise in cask selection and maturation, skills honed over five decades in the industry.
But GlenAllachie is no stranger to an award, having previously won a 2021 prize for their 10 Year Old Cask Strength (Batch 4). This latest recognition confirms GlenAllachie has transformed from a hidden gem primarily used for blends to one of Scotland's most exciting single malt producers.
GlenAllachie 12 Year Old: The World’s Best Single Malt 2025
For those of us who appreciate a truly brilliant dram, this recognition solidifies what many already knew – GlenAllachie is crafting remarkable whisky.
The 12 Year Old is no exception, with notes of sweet sultanas and milk chocolate, alongside hints of honey and spice. On tasting, enjoy a delightful mix of dried apple, rich dark chocolate, orange zest, and warm cinnamon. The finish? A satisfyingly long and smooth experience, with a subtle sherry sweetness and warmth.
It spends twelve years developing its character in a carefully selected combination of Pedro Ximénez and Oloroso sherry casks. The result is a beautifully balanced and flavour-packed dram that has now been officially recognised as the world's best.
In a press release, Walker shared his delight at the news:
“The whole GlenAllachie team are absolutely thrilled at this extraordinary endorsement of the 12-year-old: our flagship expression. When we took the reins at the distillery almost 8 years ago, it was beyond our wildest dreams that a previously low-profile whisky would be crowned the world’s best single malt twice – especially within such a short timeframe.”
Celebrating GlenAllachie
When GlenAllachie was first opened in Speyside in 1967, the distillery produced whisky primarily for blending. And, for decades, it flew under the radar.
However, its trajectory shifted dramatically in 2017 with its acquisition by The GlenAllachie Distillers Company, led by industry veteran Billy Walker. He was known for his successful overhauls of other distilleries and focused on quality single malt production.
Since then, GlenAllachie has emerged as a widely respected name in single malt whisky, celebrated for its flavour-forward expressions, including the award-winning 12 Year Old. The distillery’s visitor centre opened in 2019, offering eager whisky-lovers a behind-the-scenes glimpse.
GlenAllachie's Other Expressions
Once a workhorse distillery, GlenAllachie is now a rising star. Take a look at some of the distillery's other popular expressions:
GlenAllachie 8 Year Old: The youngest aged-statement expression in the core range, matured in Pedro Ximénez and Oloroso sherry casks, plus virgin oak and bourbon barrels. This is a very well developed whisky, despite its young age. Expect notes of honey, butterscotch, and cinnamon.
GlenAllachie 10 Year Old: A previous award winner, this expression features surprisingly intense notes of honey, toffee, orchard fruits, and warming spices. Each batch shows slight variations while maintaining the iconic house style.
GlenAllachie 15 Year Old: A richer expression, with notes of dark chocolate, figs, and Christmas spices. The sherry influence is clear, thanks to the maturation in a combination of Pedro Ximénez and Oloroso sherry puncheons and hogsheads.
About the World Whiskies Awards
The World Whiskies Awards represent one of the most prestigious (and rigorous!) competitions in the global spirits industry. Established by Whisky Magazine, this annual event has become the benchmark for excellence in worldwide whisky production.
Each submission undergoes multiple blind tasting rounds by an international panel of experts, including master blenders, distillers, and seasoned industry professionals. For GlenAllachie to triumph against hundreds of competitors demonstrates the incredible level of quality Walker and his team have achieved.
GlenAllachie's previous 2021 award for their 10 Year Old Cask Strength already significantly elevated their profile – this second major victory firmly establishes them as one of Scotland's most excellent whisky producers.
Ready to experience the world's best single malt for yourself? Grab your bottle of GlenAllachie 12 Year Old here.
