Craigellachie 17 Years Old Cask #Batch 98-ZC 21

A 17 year old Craigellachie, a distillery bottling, cask Batch 98-ZC 21, at 46%. Craigellachie is a robust, oily Speyside single malt made on worm tub condensers. It was launched as a single malt brand in 2014, with a bare knuckle, old fashioned image.

It was worked through stills and worm tubs for a muscular, oily spirit, for a bold, meaty Speyside spirit. A refill bourbon hogshead held it, keeping the meaty character to the fore. Into oxidative maturity, slow air ingress builds fruity ethyl esters (pineapple and mango) over the oily, meaty depth. Most Craigellachie goes quietly into blends, a robust filler kept in part as single malt. Refill oak lets the muscular Craigellachie character lead, malt and tropical fruit beneath. The heavy, oily make is prized by blenders for the backbone it gives White Horse. Vanillin and oak lactones from the wood lend vanilla and coconut over the meaty malt.

At an approachable 46% it is soft and easy. Malt, dried fruit and a savoury oil, with a soft vanilla from the oak. The mouthfeel is heavy and oily, the fruit carried on a meaty body. The finish is deep, oily and savoury. This is a full bodied Speyside single malt of real character.