Craigellachie 23 Years Old Cask #Batch 04.6137

Craigellachie from the distillery, a 23 year old, cask Batch 04.6137, at 46%. Craigellachie was built in 1891 and is one of the few distilleries still using worm tubs. Bacardi's John Dewar and Sons bought it in 1998, alongside Aberfeldy, Aultmore and Royal Brackla.

The spirit was distilled for the heavy, meaty spirit Craigellachie is known for, for the muscular, meaty make Craigellachie is known for. A refill bourbon hogshead held it, keeping the meaty character to the fore. Oxidative, evaporative ageing turns the malt deep and waxy, ethereal esters and a faint sotolon (maple). The cool Speyside air gives a slow, even maturation, the young sulphur fading to fruit. It sits at the village of Craigellachie, where the River Fiddich joins the Spey by Telford's iron bridge. The official range runs a thirteen, seventeen and twenty three year old, with rare older bottlings.

At an approachable 46% it is soft and easy. A heavy, oily maltiness, with a soft vanilla from the oak. Soft tropical fruit and a waxy malt sit behind the cask. The finish is deep, oily and savoury. This is one of Speyside's most robust single malts.