Craigellachie 10 Years Old 2009 (Small Batch)

A Craigellachie of a 10 year old chosen by Scotland's oldest independent bottler Cadenhead's, distilled in 2009, bottled at 54%, one of 522 bottles. Craigellachie was built in 1891 and is one of the few distilleries still using worm tubs. Most of its make still goes to blending, a robust filler prized for its weight.

The spirit was distilled for the heavy, meaty spirit Craigellachie is known for, giving the heavy, oily spirit at its heart. An ex-Bourbon barrel shaped it, vanilla and pineapple beneath the muscular malt. By the integrating teens the sulphur fades and esters build, pineapple and wax growing over the oily spirit. Years in oak round the spirit, the worm tub weight turning to pineapple and wax. Craigellachie is one of the last Speyside malts still built on worm tubs. Its malt has long been the muscular heart of the White Horse blend. Most Craigellachie goes quietly into blends, a robust filler kept in part as single malt.

At a natural 54% it is full and honeyed. A muscular, waxy sweetness, with a soft vanilla from the oak. It is robust and waxy, the muscular spirit shining through. The finish is deep, oily and savoury. This is Craigellachie's robust, oily Speyside style.