Chapter 28
My first Craigellachie Whisky
Craigellachie is a distinctive Speyside distillery known for its bold, characterful single malts, which stand apart from many of its peers with their rich, complex profiles. The whiskies from Craigellachie often showcase a signature waxy texture, the result of traditional worm-tub distillation, and make use of a variety of cask maturations, including ex-Bourbon and ex-Sherry casks, as well as occasional finishes in more unique wood types.
After Leo’s interview with Matthew Cordiner (Leo’s Chapter 35), in this review, we explore expressions ranging from the approachable 13-Year-Old to the exceptional 31-Year-Old, highlighting the depth, craftsmanship, and evolving complexity of the distillery’s offerings.
We feel so lucky and grateful to the Craigellachie’s team for making this possible. Looking forward to meeting them soon in Speyside.
Craigellachie 13yo - 46%
This 13-year-old whisky is bottled at 46% ABV and is matured in a mix of ex-Bourbon and ex-Sherry casks. Half of the liquid is finished in first-fill Sherry casks, while the remainder spends its time in first-fill Bourbon casks, resulting in a harmonious flavor profile. The recommended retail price (RRP) in the UK is around £50.
Nose: A delightful medley of sweet vanilla and freshly baked pandoro greets the senses, accompanied by a fruity bouquet of apple, pineapple, and pear. With time, a creamy ricotta-like note emerges, evoking a dairy-like richness, complemented by a refreshing hint of tangerine.
Palate: Waxy and textured, showcasing the expected character from worm tub distillation. Zesty and vibrant, with a warming ginger spice that adds complexity and depth.
Finish: The sweet, buttery essence of pandoro lingers, transitioning into a persistent note of candied orange zest. Subtle hints of dates and dried figs weave through the finish, adding a nuanced sweetness.
Overall: A reliable dram that’s always within reach, perfect for introducing sherry cask influence to newcomers. Offers great value for its quality. A go-to option for an enjoyable, versatile whisky. experience
Craigellachie 13yo Bas-Armagnac - 46%
Bottled at 46% ABV, this 13-year-old Craigellachie starts its maturation in a blend of ex-Bourbon and ex-Sherry casks. It is then finished for over a year in Bas-Armagnac casks sourced from Gascony, adding a distinct layer of flavor. The RRP in the UK for this expression is approximately £60.
Nose: A familiar sweet vanilla and pandoro lead the way, but this time layered with a savory edge—notes of stewed cauliflower and brussels sprouts add an intriguing, vegetal dimension to the profile.
Palate: Soft baked apple dusted with cinnamon takes center stage, delivering a warm and comforting flavor.
Finish: Smooth vanilla lingers, with a subtle winery quality that adds depth. A gentle wisp of smoke emerges with the addition of water, evoking a resemblance to Kilkerran 12.
Overall: An intriguing and complex whisky that balances sweet, savory, and smoky elements. It’s a dram that rewards exploration, especially for those who appreciate Kilkerran’s signature style.
Craigellachie 17yo - 46%
At 46% ABV, this 17-year-old whisky spends its aging process in a combination of ex-Bourbon and ex-Sherry casks. A portion is then finished in first-fill Sherry casks, while the remainder matures in first-fill Bourbon casks, creating a whisky with great depth. The RRP in the UK is about £100.
Nose: A richer sherry influence brings forward pronounced caramel notes, creating a sweet and inviting aroma.
Palate: Bold flavors of orange and a hint of spicy licorice take the lead, followed by an unusual savory note reminiscent of raw minced meat, adding a distinctive character.
Finish: A lingering sulfuric note emerges, leaving a robust and slightly challenging aftertaste.
Overall: A whisky with a pronounced sherry influence, offering an unconventional combination of sweet, savory, and sulfuric elements. While it may polarize, it’s a memorable experience for those who enjoy exploring unique flavor profiles.
Craigellachie 19yo - 46%
The 19-year-old Craigellachie is a rare travel retail exclusive. Aged for 19 years, it reflects the distillery’s tradition of quality and craftsmanship, although specific maturation cask details are not widely disclosed. The RRP for this whisky in the UK is roughly £150.
Nose: A distinctly bourbon-forward profile with sweet and fruity notes of ripe apricot, creating a warm and inviting aroma.
Palate: Light and sweet with hints of bourbon influence and stone fruits to match the nose.
Finish: Smooth and lingering with a touch of sweetness and oak.
Overall: A whisky that leans heavily on bourbon influences, with a standout apricot note on the nose. While additional tasting details would complete the picture, this dram promises a classic, approachable experience.
Craigellachie 23yo - 46%
The Craigellachie 23-Year-Old is a refined single malt, bottled at 46% ABV. This expression is aged in a combination of first-fill ex-Bourbon and ex-Sherry casks, which impart a rich, layered profile. The recommended retail price (RRP) in the UK is approximately £320.
Nose: Rich and indulgent, with notes of caramel and butterscotch evoking memories of Alpenliebe candies. Subtle hints of star anise and licorice add a spiced complexity to the sweetness.
Palate: Sweet and spiced. Nutmeg, cinnamon, vanilla. Hints of cardamom.
Finish: A waxy texture leads into a superbly long finish, dominated by warming cinnamon that lingers pleasantly.
Overall: A luxurious whisky with a nostalgic, candy-like nose and a standout finish. While the palate details are missing, the waxy mouthfeel and spiced conclusion promise a satisfying experience.
Craigellachie 31yo - 52,2%
This 31-year-old expression is bottled at a cask strength of 52.2% ABV, making it a remarkable release from Craigellachie. With over three decades of maturation, it offers a rich and complex profile, showcasing the distillery’s dedication to excellence. The RRP in the UK is about £1,000.
Nose: An intriguing combination of aromas, starting with an unusual note of plastic or melted plastic that transitions into a sweeter medley of vanilla, pineapple, and guava. A touch of cinnamon adds warmth to the mix.
Palate: A waxy and textured experience, with the high proof surprisingly well-integrated, making the cask strength almost imperceptible. Chewy and rich, with a creamy note reminiscent of buffalo mozzarella adding a savory twist.
Finish: Exceptionally long-lasting, with flavors of tangy kumquat and indulgent salted caramel leaving a memorable impression.
Overall: A bold and unique whisky that balances unconventional and classic elements. The interplay of waxy, fruity, and savory notes makes it a captivating dram, with an endlessly satisfying finish.
Overall
This distillery stands out for its exceptional craftsmanship and distinctive style, earning it a well-deserved badge of recognition. It may not be mainstream, but its presence in airport selections highlights its accessibility and quality. What truly sets it apart is the remarkable texture across its range and its masterful use of casks.
- Absolute Badge: The 31-year-old whisky, a pinnacle of the distillery’s expertise, showcases unparalleled complexity and maturity.
- Value for Money: The 13-year-old offers incredible bang for your buck, delivering quality and flavor at an accessible price point.
- Right Balance: The 17-year-old strikes the perfect harmony of flavor, texture, and depth, embodying the essence of the distillery’s style.
An outstanding lineup that reflects the distillery’s commitment to texture, innovation, and exceptional cask management.
Drams
and more...
Today's drams
- Craigellachie 13yo – 46%
- Craigellachie 13yo Bas-Armagnac – 46%
- Craigellachie 17yo – 46%
- Craigellachie 19yo – 46%
- Craigellachie 23yo – 46%
- Craigellachie 31yo – 52,2%