Craigellachie 17 Years Old 1997 (Connoisseurs Choice)

A 17 year old Craigellachie from the Elgin house Gordon and MacPhail, distilled in 1997, bottled at 46%. Craigellachie was founded in 1891 by a consortium led by Peter Mackie of White Horse fame. Worm tubs give little copper contact, so the new spirit is robust and full, mellowing to tropical fruit with age.

It was made in copper stills whose worm tubs build a robust make, for the muscular, meaty make Craigellachie is known for. Maturation came in ex-Bourbon wood, the oak quiet behind the heavy spirit. Through oxidative maturity esters concentrate, the worm tub weight turning to mango and a waxy depth. The heavy, oily make is prized by blenders for the backbone it gives White Horse. Craigellachie is one of the last Speyside malts still built on worm tubs. Water comes from a local spring in the Blue Hill area above the village. Long ageing turns the young, sulphurous spirit towards mango, wax and a warm spice.

At 46% it is gentle, sweet and fruity. Mango, wax and a meaty depth, with a soft vanilla from the oak. It is robust and waxy, the muscular spirit shining through. It finishes robust, waxy and warm. This is the muscular, meaty Speyside malt of Craigellachie.