Craigellachie 11 Years Old 2012 (Phil & Simon Thompson)

From the bottler Phil & Simon Thompson, an 11 year old Craigellachie, distilled in 2012, bottled at 50%, one of 285 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.

Worked through stills and worm tubs for a muscular, oily spirit, to build a robust, sulphurous, full bodied character. A refill bourbon hogshead held it, keeping the meaty character to the fore. Through integration spirit and wood marry, vanillin settling into vanilla as ethyl esters lend a riper, tropical fruit over the meaty malt. Most Craigellachie goes quietly into blends, a robust filler kept in part as single malt. Craigellachie is one of the last Speyside malts still built on worm tubs. With age the meaty young spirit turns to pineapple, mango and a waxy depth.

At a hearty 50% it carries real weight. Pineapple, malt and a savoury edge, with a soft vanilla from the oak. The texture is full and oily, the fruit lifted by a meaty weight. The finish is deep, oily and savoury. This is the worm tub malt of Craigellachie.