Craigellachie 10 Years Old 2011 Cask #900093 (Elixir)

This Craigellachie was bottled by the bottler Elixir Distillers, a 10 year old, distilled in 2011, from cask 900093, bottled at 60%, one of 510 bottles. Craigellachie is the bold, oily Speyside malt that anchors the White Horse blend. The distillery was founded in 1891 by a group led by Peter Mackie, the man behind the White Horse blend.

Run through the distillery's stills and old fashioned worm tubs, giving the heavy, oily spirit at its heart. A sherry butt held it, the wood lending raisin and walnut to the robust spirit. Integration folds eugenol (clove) and vanillin (vanilla) into the malt, the robust body turning fruitier. The cool Speyside air gives a slow, even maturation, the young sulphur fading to fruit. Craigellachie is one of the last Speyside malts still built on worm tubs. Long ageing turns the young, sulphurous spirit towards mango, wax and a warm spice.

At 60%, undiluted, it is deep and fruity. Meaty malt, tropical fruit and a waxy oil, with dried fruit, fig and walnut from the cask. A baked fruit and a warm spice lift it. The finish runs meaty, waxy and warm. This is the worm tub malt of Craigellachie.