GlenAllachie’s celebratory edition single malt

Prominent Scotch whisky distillery The GlenAllachie has launched its limited edition single malt, Year of the Snake, to mark Lunar New Year 2025.  The special release is a multi-wood finish created by Scotch stalwart and master distiller Billy Walker. 

The single malt has been matured for 11 years in premium Pedro Ximénez and Oloroso Sherry casks from Spain, as well as toasted and charred in virgin oak barrels, resulting in “indulgent notes of pear and ginger cake, orange peel and butterscotch sauce”.

On the launch of the Year of the Snake, Walker, a distinguished cask innovator said, “After much planning and preparation, the expression we’ve devised, in my view, is worthy of a toast to the momentous occasion. We wish our Asian friends all the best for a very healthy and prosperous new year.”

In a first of its kind, the packaging features a fully bespoke carton with hand-drawn illustration, gold foil and embossed detail. While the bottle’s neck features a collectable 3D gold-coloured snake charm, its green coloured packaging corresponds to the wood element specific to this New Year.

The Year of the Snake Edition is presented at 48 percent ABV and priced at approximately £77. The celebratory single malt will be available at specialist retailers in Taiwan, South Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, Vietnam, China and Hong Kong. A small quantity will also be available at the distillery and online in January.