Craigellachie 11 Years Old 2010 Càrn Mòr Strictly Limited (Morrison Scotch Whisky Distillers)

A Craigellachie of an 11 year old chosen by the bottler Morrison Scotch Whisky Distillers, distilled in 2010, bottled at 47.5%, one of 1282 bottles. Craigellachie was founded in 1891 by a consortium led by Peter Mackie of White Horse fame. It was rebuilt in 1965, but kept its worm tubs where most distilleries dropped them.

Distilled for the heavy, meaty spirit Craigellachie is known for, for a bold, meaty Speyside spirit. A sherry butt held it, the wood lending raisin and walnut to the robust spirit. By the integrating teens the sulphur fades and esters build, pineapple and wax growing over the oily spirit. Long ageing turns the young, sulphurous spirit towards mango, wax and a warm spice. Most of its make still goes to blending, a robust filler prized for its weight. Water comes from a local spring in the Blue Hill area above the village. The meaty, oily spirit takes cask flavour well while keeping its robust, worm tub weight.

At a hearty 47.5% it carries real weight. A muscular, waxy sweetness, with raisin, date and treacle from the cask. A dried fruit and a savoury, oily depth give it weight. The finish is deep, oily and savoury. This is the worm tub malt of Craigellachie.