Craigellachie (2013/2024) - Malts of Scotland
Malts of Scotland is known for its bold and characterful releases, and this one is no exception: a Craigellachie at 61.2% ABV, straight from the cask, unfiltered and untouched. After 11 years in the cask, this Speyside whisky has turned into a true sherry bomb.
The panel
Mean 83.0 · spread 4
Value for money 5/5
- Distillery
- Craigellachie
- Bottler
- Malts of Scotland
- Type
- Single Malt
- Region
- Speyside
- Country
- Scotland
- Strength
- 61.2% ABV
- Character
- rich
Tasting
Nose
Right from the start, this whisky delivers a whirlwind of aromas. Plums, figs, and dates create an intense sweetness, while morello cherries add a darker fruit note. There are also hints of leather, tobacco, and something reminiscent of a long-heated grain pillow – warm, spicy, and slightly nutty.
Palate
The first sip is a full-on sherry explosion. Sweet, fruity flavors dominate the tip of the tongue before transitioning into old leather sofas, Cognac-like notes, and tobacco leaves. The texture is creamy, almost oily, yet it quickly dries out. Aged oak brings a strong spiciness, while slightly burnt notes add a smoky-bitter accent. Somewhere in between, rust and machine oil play a subordinate role.
Finish
Long and intense. The oak spice builds up further, but the sweetness remains – this time more like heather honey and caramel. The whisky fades out with dry, spicy oak, leaving a lingering warmth.
Verdicts
Marcel
This Craigellachie 2013/2024 is like a wild rollercoaster ride for the senses – untamed, full-bodied, and packed with plenty of rough edges. If you’re into powerful sherry bombs, you’ll have a blast with every nose and every sip. Elegance is nowhere to be found here, but that’s exactly what gives it its charm!
Sascha
With its robust structure and intense sherry notes, this Craigellachie presents itself as a technically impressive cask strength release that skillfully balances sweet fruit and austere oak. The complex spice and long finish make it an exciting example of a bold Speyside sherry, even if the edgy dryness might not be to everyone’s taste.
What it is worth
We do not yet hold bottle-level auction results — that sits behind Whisky Hunter’s authenticated feed. What follows is the market for Craigellachie as a whole, which sets the weather for this bottling without pricing it.
Latest mean bid £132 across 127 lots · 2024-08