Craigellachie 15 Years Old 2006 Cask #DL 15424 (Old Particular)

This Craigellachie was bottled by the Glasgow bottler Douglas Laing, a 15 year old, distilled in 2006, from cask DL 15424, bottled at 57.9%, one of 625 bottles. Craigellachie was founded in 1891 by a consortium led by Peter Mackie of White Horse fame. It was launched as a single malt brand in 2014, with a bare knuckle, old fashioned image.

Made in copper stills whose worm tubs build a robust make, for a bold, meaty Speyside spirit. An Oloroso hogshead lent fig, raisin and a savoury, nutty edge. At oxidative maturity aldehydes and esters lend tropical fruit while ellagitannins add a drying, savoury grip. Most Craigellachie goes quietly into blends, a robust filler kept in part as single malt. Long ageing turns the young, sulphurous spirit towards mango, wax and a warm spice. Vanillin and oak lactones from the wood lend vanilla and coconut over the meaty malt.

At its natural 57.9% it is concentrated. Meaty malt, tropical fruit and a waxy oil, with dried fruit, fig and walnut from the cask. Beneath it run meaty malt, tropical fruit and a waxy oil. The finish is long, oily and savoury. This is a full bodied Speyside single malt of real character.