Craigellachie 10 Years Old 2008 Cask #800109 + 800110 (Signatory)

From the Pitlochry bottler Signatory Vintage, a 10 year old Craigellachie, distilled in 2008, from cask 800109 + 800110, bottled at 43%. Craigellachie is a Speyside distillery in the village of the same name, famous for its muscular, meaty single malt. The distillery was founded in 1891 by a group led by Peter Mackie, the man behind the White Horse blend.

The spirit was run through the distillery's stills and old fashioned worm tubs, giving the heavy, oily spirit at its heart. A bourbon barrel held it, vanilla and a soft spice over the oily malt. Through integration spirit and wood marry, vanillin settling into vanilla as ethyl esters lend a riper, tropical fruit over the meaty malt. Refill oak lets the muscular Craigellachie character lead, malt and tropical fruit beneath. The cool Speyside air gives a slow, even maturation, the young sulphur fading to fruit.

At 43% it is gentle, sweet and fruity. Pineapple, malt and a savoury edge, with a soft vanilla from the oak. Pineapple, malt and a savoury wax fill the middle. A long, oily finish carries a tropical depth. This is one of Speyside's most robust single malts.