The GlenAllachie Distillery’s master distiller Billy Walker was given some good news just days before his 75th birthday.
Billy has won the prestigious Icons of Whisky Global Master Blender/Distiller of the Year award and the World Whiskies Awards World’s Best Blended Malt for its MacNair’s Lum Reek 21 year old at the Whisky Magazine Awards. The GlenAllachie 10 year old Cask Strength Batch 3 also won Best Scotch Speyside Single Malt 12 year old and under. The Whisky Magazine Awards were announced on social media following the cancellation of this year’s event.
In addition, The GlenAllachie also collected a remarkable hat-trick of Double Gold medals at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition. The prestigious Double Gold medals were awarded to its 12, 15 and 25 year-old single malts, while its MacNair’s Lum Reek Blended Malt Scotch 12 year old also won a Gold medal.
In September 2019, The GlenAllachie was voted Scottish Distillery of the Year at the inaugural Scottish Whisky Awards. The growing collection of awards come just two years since Walker acquired the distillery.
Billy, who turned 75 yesterday and is approaching his 50th year in the whisky industry, said: ‘With the world facing an extremely challenging time due to the Coronavirus outbreak, it’s nice to be able to share a little bit of good news. Like everyone else here in the UK, I’m working from home and getting used to a new way of life, so this news brings a brief respite in these troubling times.
‘We’re very much a family at The GlenAllachie so, I’d like to take this opportunity to dedicate these awards to the team as a thank you for all their hard work. I’d also like to send my best to the extended family of The GlenAllachie fans and the wider whisky community around the world – stay safe and stay strong everyone.’
Having started his production and blending career at Hiram Walker in 1971, Billy developed his skills and reputation during spells as Master Blender at Inverhouse Distilleries and Burn Stewart Company in the 70s and 80s.
In the 2000’s, Billy moved into ownership, acquiring BenRiach Distillery, followed by GlenDronach and Glenglassaugh distilleries between 2004 and 2016. In 2017, he purchased the GlenAllachie Distillery, forming The GlenAllachie Distillers Co Limited alongside business partners Graham Stevenson and Trisha Savage.
The GlenAllachie has a number of new products in the pipeline, including a new batch of Wood Finishes, with release dates to be confirmed in due course. In May, its Visitor Centre will also reach its 1st anniversary.
Further information on the distillery and company can be found at www.theglenallachie.com
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