Craigellachie 15 Years Old 2007 Cask #900417R (Young Spirits)

This Craigellachie was bottled by the bottler Young Spirits, a 15 year old, distilled in 2007, from cask 900417R, bottled at 63.1%, one of 279 bottles. Craigellachie was founded in 1891 by a consortium led by Peter Mackie of White Horse fame. The distillery was founded in 1891 by a group led by Peter Mackie, the man behind the White Horse blend.

The spirit was made in copper stills whose worm tubs build a robust make, giving the heavy, oily spirit at its heart. A Madeira cask added raisin and a caramelised nuttiness. At oxidative maturity aldehydes and esters lend tropical fruit while ellagitannins add a drying, savoury grip. The meaty, oily spirit takes cask flavour well while keeping its robust, worm tub weight. Bacardi's John Dewar and Sons bought it in 1998, alongside Aberfeldy, Aultmore and Royal Brackla. The cool Speyside air gives a slow, even maturation, the young sulphur fading to fruit.

At a hearty 63.1% it carries real weight. Pineapple, malt and a savoury edge, with plum, red berry and chocolate from the cask. A baked fruit and a warm spice lift it. Tropical fruit, malt and a savoury oak see out the finish. This is Craigellachie's robust, oily Speyside style.