Chamber News
The GlenAllachie outside Aberlour, Moray, takes title for world’s best single malt whisky
2 April 2025 • Sarah Medcraf
A Moray distillery's single malt whisky has taken the title as the world's best.
The GlenAllachie's 12-year-old single malt whisky claimed the honour at the World Whiskies Awards after the results were announced on March 26.
The distillery, based outside Aberlour, won the same title in 2021 and is the only Scottish whisky brand to take the hotly contested award since 2017.
The award-winning 12-year-old single malt was matured on-site in sherry, red wine and virgin oak casks.
According to the judges, the whisky is a flavour profile of “dried apple, gourmet chutney, orange zest, nutmeg and cinnamon".
GlenAllachie owner Billy Walker, who is also a qualified chemist, said: "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.
“At The GlenAllachie, we’re all about offering quality whiskies at approachable prices, and so the fact it’s our signature bottling within our core range that has scooped this top accolade highlights this.
"This wonderful news will only further motivate our expert team to continue our pursuit of absolute perfection, not absolute consistency.
"Our whisky is in the best possible hands.”
Mr Walker's career in whisky spans 53 years but his ownership of The GlenAllachie, built in 1967, dates back to 2017.
The brand has gained a reputation for its “heather honey house style”.