Craigellachie 11 Years Old 2014 Distilleries of Great Britain & Ireland Commemorative (James Eadie)

A Craigellachie of an 11 year old chosen by the bottler James Eadie, distilled in 2014, bottled at 52.3%, one of 616 bottles. Craigellachie, where the Fiddich meets the Spey, is the meaty backbone of the White Horse blend. Water comes from a local spring in the Blue Hill area above the village.

The spirit was worked through stills and worm tubs for a muscular, oily spirit, 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. Years in oak round the spirit, the worm tub weight turning to pineapple and wax. Refill oak lets the muscular Craigellachie character lead, malt and tropical fruit beneath. It was launched as a single malt brand in 2014, with a bare knuckle, old fashioned image.

At 52.3%, undiluted, it is deep and fruity. A heavy, oily maltiness, with a dry, nutty, almond edge from the cask. It is robust and waxy, the muscular spirit shining through. The finish runs meaty, waxy and warm. This is an oily, tropical Speyside single malt.