Craigellachie 11 Years Old 1997 (Connoisseurs Choice)

A Craigellachie of an 11 year old chosen by the Elgin house Gordon and MacPhail, distilled in 1997, bottled at 43%. Craigellachie, where the Fiddich meets the Spey, is the meaty backbone of the White Horse blend. Worm tubs give little copper contact, so the new spirit is robust and full, mellowing to tropical fruit with age.

It was distilled in copper stills with worm tub condensers on Blue Hill spring water, for a bold, meaty Speyside spirit. Ex-Bourbon casks held it, the oak letting the oily, robust character lead. Through integration spirit and wood marry, vanillin settling into vanilla as ethyl esters lend a riper, tropical fruit over the meaty malt. Vanillin and oak lactones from the wood lend vanilla and coconut over the meaty malt. Craigellachie is one of the last Speyside malts still built on worm tubs. Bacardi's John Dewar and Sons bought it in 1998, alongside Aberfeldy, Aultmore and Royal Brackla.

At an approachable 43% it is soft and easy. Mango, wax and a meaty depth, with a soft vanilla from the oak. Pineapple, malt and a savoury wax fill the middle. The finish runs meaty, waxy and warm. This is Craigellachie, the meaty heart of White Horse.