SCOTCH whisky distillery The GlenAllachie has launched a limited edition single malt to mark Lunar New Year 2025: an 11-year-old Pedro Ximénez, Oloroso & Virgin Oak Cask Finish.
The release is described as the ‘first of its kind’ to feature a fully bespoke carton with a hand-drawn illustration with gold foil and embossed detail.
A collectable 3D gold-coloured snake charm sits around the neck of the bottle, while the packaging’s green colour corresponds to the wood element specific to this new year.
The company is led by Scotch whisky stalwart Billy Walker, a qualified chemist and cask innovator.
The Year of the Snake Edition, which will have an approximate price of £77, is a multi-wood finish created by Walker. The special release single malt was matured in Pedro Ximénez and Oloroso Sherry casks from Spain, as well as toasted and charred virgin oak barrels.
Walker monitored the whisky as it matured in the Speyside distillery’s 16 on-site warehouses until he deemed it had met the perfect balance between distillery character and cask influence. After 11 years in oak casks, the resulting expression is said to promise ‘indulgent notes of pear and ginger cake, orange peel and butterscotch sauce’.
Bill Walker said, “The team and I are thrilled to unveil this very special bottling for Lunar New Year. Having travelled to numerous Asian countries this year, I’ve witnessed firsthand the demand and appreciation for Scotch whisky in the region and was fortunate to meet many passionate GlenAllachie fans.
“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.”
The product will be available in specialist retailers in Taiwan, South Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, Vietnam, China and Hong Kong. A small quantity of bottles will be available at the Speyside distillery and online shop in January.
