In Billy We Trust

AUGUSTMAN speaks with the much-revered elder statesman of the Scotch whisky industry, Master Blender and owner of The Glen Allachie Distillery, Billy Walker, about his approach to crafting great whisky blends.

- SUFFIAN HAKIM

IN OCTOBER, independent cult Speyside Scotch whisky brand The GlenAllachie rebranded its core collection, revealing a reimagined logo and packaging for its multi-award-winning single malt range.

The brand, owned by whisky veteran Billy Walker, introduced a newly refined typography featuring handcrafted letterforms that reflect its prestigious character in packaging and collaterals. The slanted design echoes the iconic shape of the distillery’s gable end, symbolising its architectural distinctiveness and The GlenAllachie’s aspirational journey.

The updated branding has adopted a natural colour palette with a dual-tone scheme, representing a balance between logic and instinct—a tribute to Walker’s whisky-making philosophy. This fresh visual identity mirrors the harmony between tradition and innovation, encapsulating the essence of The GlenAllachie’s craftsmanship.

That distinct artisanship is a product of Walker’s expertise and experience. We talk with the man himself about crafting the finest whisky blends.

What is the philosophy behind your single malt whiskies such as those from The GlenAllachie and Benriach Distilleries?

The period at Benriach was interesting. When I acquired the distillery in 2004, it had been mothballed for several years. The first challenge was to understand the style and personality of the casks, which were part of the purchase. Then we had to determine Benriach’s future personality, based on the mature inventory and historic cask style.

The next challenge was to recommission the plant and then decide on the new fill spirit’s “cut point” and the wood management process.

In the case of Benriach, the personality of the core range was classical Speyside, with maturation in fresh conventional American barrels, giving a flavour profile of honey, vanilla, coconut, and orange peel with spice notes of cinnamon and nutmeg as well as hints of eucalyptus.