Craigellachie 11 Years Old 2013 Cask #300580 (BB&R)

A Craigellachie of an 11 year old chosen by the London merchant Berry Bros and Rudd, distilled in 2013, from cask 300580, bottled at 54%, one of 277 bottles. Craigellachie was built in 1891 and is one of the few distilleries still using worm tubs. Its malt has long been the muscular heart of the White Horse blend.

It was distilled in copper stills with worm tub condensers on Blue Hill spring water, to build a robust, sulphurous, full bodied character. A bourbon barrel held it, vanilla and a soft spice over the oily malt. In integration lactones (coconut) and vanillin (vanilla) knit with the malt, the worm tub weight softening to tropical fruit. Most Craigellachie goes quietly into blends, a robust filler kept in part as single malt. With age the meaty young spirit turns to pineapple, mango and a waxy depth. A big sherry cask suits the muscular spirit, dried fruit meeting the meaty weight.

At 54%, undiluted, it is deep and fruity. Malt, dried fruit and a savoury oil, with a soft vanilla from the oak. Soft tropical fruit and a waxy malt sit behind the cask. The finish is deep, oily and savoury. This is a full bodied Speyside single malt of real character.