Craigellachie 11 Years Old 2008 Hepburn’s Choice (Langside Distillers)

From the bottler Langside Distillers, an 11 year old Craigellachie, distilled in 2008, bottled at 46%, one of 113 bottles. Craigellachie is the bold, oily Speyside malt that anchors the White Horse blend. Its malt has long been the muscular heart of the White Horse blend.

It was run through the distillery's stills and old fashioned worm tubs, to build a robust, sulphurous, full bodied character. It rested in ex-Bourbon oak, the wood adding vanilla and a waxy tropical fruit. Integration folds eugenol (clove) and vanillin (vanilla) into the malt, the robust body turning fruitier. Craigellachie is one of the last Speyside malts still built on worm tubs. The heavy, oily make is prized by blenders for the backbone it gives White Horse. It keeps its worm tub condensers, an old fashioned set up that builds a heavy, meaty, sulphurous spirit. Most Craigellachie goes quietly into blends, a robust filler kept in part as single malt.

At 46% it is gentle, sweet and fruity. Malt, dried fruit and a savoury oil, with a soft vanilla from the oak. A dried fruit and a savoury, oily depth give it weight. A long, oily finish carries a tropical depth. This is a full bodied Speyside single malt of real character.