The world of Scotch whisky has seen countless innovations, but every so often, something truly special graces the shelves, reshaping our perceptions and tantalizing our palates. The GlenAllachie Distillery, no stranger to prestigious accolades, is once again turning heads with the introduction of its new peated single malt Scotch whisky brand: Meikle Tòir.
A Legacy of Distinction
Renowned for its award-winning single malts, The GlenAllachie’s fame reached its zenith when it bagged the much-coveted World’s Best Single Malt title at the World Whiskies Awards in 2021. With sales surpassing £20 million last year, this Speyside marvel has etched its name in golden letters in the annals of whisky lore. And with the legendary Master Distiller, Billy Walker, at the helm since 2017, expectations were sky-high for what would come next.
Enter Meikle Tòir
Taking its name from the Gaelic term meaning ‘big pursuit’, Meikle Tòir is not merely a new label. It symbolizes Walker’s and his adept team’s relentless passion and their seasonal peated campaign, a pursuit that began earnestly in 2018. Produced using mainland peat from St. Fergus, this peated wonder graces us for a limited six-week production run each year, yielding about 100,000 Litres of Alcohol.
The Rich Tapestry of Flavors
One of the standout characteristics of Meikle Tòir’s expressions is their extensive fermentation time — a whopping 160 hours. Nearly triple the industry standard, this results in a fruity, ester-rich character that sets the stage for a symphony of flavors:
- The Original 5-year-old: Matured in a curated blend of first-fill Bourbon barrels, American virgin oak casks, and Rye barrels, this whisky presents a delightful dance of stem ginger, sweet spice, and oak-smoked sugar.
- The Sherry One: An impeccable balance of dark fruits, mocha, treacle, and wisps of earthy peat smoke, thanks to additional maturation in Pedro Ximénez and Oloroso sherry puncheons.
- The Chinquapin One: For those who relish a touch of the American wilderness, this variant, aged first in American oak and then Chinquapin virgin oak barrels from Missouri, promises a thrilling blend of smoked spices, roasted nuts, and crème brûlée.
- The Turbo 2023 Edition: This limited bottling is for those who crave intensity. Capturing the heart of the peated distillate, with a spirit PPM of 71, it unveils notes of toasted honeycomb, burnt orange peel, and worn leather.
Each offering, with the exception of Turbo, maintains a spirit PPM level of 35, ensuring that sweet, oaky smoke style that sets mainland peat apart from its coastal counterpart.
A Visual and Environmental Statement
Meikle Tòir’s packaging is an art piece in itself. Featuring an exquisite hand-drawn illustration by famed Scottish artist Iain McIntosh, it showcases the rugged landscapes surrounding The GlenAllachie Distillery. The earthy tones allude to the smoky flavor profile within. Environmentally conscious consumers will also appreciate the brand’s commitment to exclusively collaborating with UK-based packaging suppliers, reducing their ecological footprint.
A Nationwide Celebration
To mark this momentous launch, a series of tastings are set to happen across Scotland, culminating in Meikle Tòir’s grand presentation at The Whisky Exchange Show in London. As Walker aptly puts it, this launch is not about “accelerating the journey; it’s about expanding the experience.” Truly, Meikle Tòir is an embodiment of The GlenAllachie’s “pursuit of peated perfection.”
Starting today, Meikle Tòir will grace select shelves worldwide, with UK RRSPs commencing at £50. For whisky enthusiasts, this is a pursuit worth joining. Cheers!
