Craigellachie 8 Years Old 2014 (Cane And Grain)

This Craigellachie was bottled by the bottler Cane And Grain, an 8 year old, distilled in 2014, bottled at 60.1%, one of 315 bottles. Craigellachie was founded in 1891 by a consortium led by Peter Mackie of White Horse fame. The official range runs a thirteen, seventeen and twenty three year old, with rare older bottlings.

It was made in copper stills whose worm tubs build a robust make, for a bold, meaty Speyside spirit. A Bordeaux or red wine cask gave red berry and a dry spice. Young and extractive, the cask sheds vanillin (vanilla) and toasted sugars (light caramel) over the meaty spirit, the worm tub character still struck match sharp. Most Craigellachie goes quietly into blends, a robust filler kept in part as single malt. Bacardi's John Dewar and Sons bought it in 1998, alongside Aberfeldy, Aultmore and Royal Brackla. It was launched as a single malt brand in 2014, with a bare knuckle, old fashioned image.

At 60.1%, undiluted, it is deep and fruity. Malt, dried fruit and a savoury oil, with plum, red berry and chocolate from the cask. Pineapple, malt and a savoury wax fill the middle. The finish is long, oily and savoury. This is the worm tub malt of Craigellachie.