Craigellachie 13 Years Old 2001 Hepburn’s Choice (Langside Distillers)

From the bottler Langside Distillers, a 13 year old Craigellachie, distilled in 2001, bottled at 46%, one of 467 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 for the heavy, meaty spirit Craigellachie is known for, for a bold, meaty Speyside spirit. Ex-Bourbon casks held it, the oak letting the oily, robust character lead. Integration folds eugenol (clove) and vanillin (vanilla) into the malt, the robust body turning fruitier. 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. Worm tubs give little copper contact, so the new spirit is heavy and full, mellowing with time. The distillery was founded in 1891 by a group led by Peter Mackie, the man behind the White Horse blend.

At 46% it is gentle, sweet and fruity. Tropical fruit, malt and a warm spice, with a soft vanilla from the oak. It is robust and waxy, the muscular spirit shining through. A robust, malty finish ends on tropical fruit and a warm spice. This is Craigellachie's robust, oily Speyside style.