Craigellachie 13 Years Old 1987 (Connoisseurs Choice)

The Elgin house Gordon and MacPhail bottled this Craigellachie, a 13 year old, distilled in 1987, bottled at 40%. Craigellachie is a robust, fruity Speyside single malt from the heart of the region. It was launched as a single malt brand in 2014, with a bare knuckle, old fashioned image.

It was run through the distillery's stills and old fashioned worm tubs, for a bold, meaty Speyside spirit. Maturation came in ex-Bourbon wood, the oak quiet behind the heavy spirit. In integration lactones (coconut) and vanillin (vanilla) knit with the malt, the worm tub weight softening to tropical fruit. The robust make rewards long ageing, the meatiness giving way to tropical fruit. The cool Speyside air gives a slow, even maturation, the young sulphur fading to fruit. Bacardi's John Dewar and Sons bought it in 1998, alongside Aberfeldy, Aultmore and Royal Brackla. Most Craigellachie goes quietly into blends, a robust filler kept in part as single malt.

At 40% it is gentle, sweet and fruity. Mango, wax and a meaty depth, with a soft vanilla from the oak. Pineapple, malt and a savoury wax fill the middle. The finish is long, oily and savoury. This is the worm tub malt of Craigellachie.