Craigellachie 12 Years Old 1994 (Authentic Collection)

From Scotland's oldest independent bottler Cadenhead's, a 12 year old Craigellachie, distilled in 1994, bottled at 58.3%, one of 276 bottles. Craigellachie is the bold, oily Speyside malt that anchors the White Horse blend. Bacardi's John Dewar and Sons bought it in 1998, alongside Aberfeldy, Aultmore and Royal Brackla.

Run through the distillery's stills and old fashioned worm tubs, giving the heavy, oily spirit at its heart. Ex-Bourbon casks held it, the oak letting the oily, robust character lead. In integration lactones (coconut) and vanillin (vanilla) knit with the malt, the worm tub weight softening to tropical fruit. Long ageing turns the young, sulphurous spirit towards mango, wax and a warm spice. Most Craigellachie goes quietly into blends, a robust filler kept in part as single malt. The robust make rewards long ageing, the meatiness giving way to tropical fruit.

At cask strength 58.3% it is full bodied. Mango, wax and a meaty depth, with a soft vanilla from the oak. It is robust and waxy, the muscular spirit shining through. The finish runs meaty, waxy and warm. This is Craigellachie, the meaty heart of White Horse.