Craigellachie 13 Year Old
Deliberately old skool
3 284
WReview by @Wierdo
- Nose~
- Taste~
- Finish~
- Balance~
- Overall84
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- Brand: Craigellachie
- Type: Scotch
- Region: Speyside
- ABV: 46%
In his review on Whisky Fun Sergé made me chuckle with a remark that if Craigellachie wanted to make their labels any more old fashioned they'd have needed to use hieroglyphics.
I think its true of the whisky too. It's a Speysider that doesn't fit the Speysider mould, in the same way that Benromach doesn't. Not a Sherry cask in sight. Something about it just seems a bit self-consciously old fashioned.
Nose - creme brulee, ginger biscuits, Garam masala, cinnamon, manuka honey
Palate - thin mouthfeel, pleasant arrival sweet initially but more savoury overall with a little pepper, cereal, honey and cough sweets.
Finish is quite long and drying. Goes bitter and salty
With water (it doesn't take a lot) you get a sweet straw-like note on the nose, the bitterness on the development reduces and the finish seems a little more drawn out.
Pleasant enough whisky. Has a bit of character. I've enjoyed it more as I've got down the bottle. Would I buy another bottle? I wouldn't go out of my way to grab a bottle online but if I saw it in a supermarket I'd probably pick it up from the shelf. Has it convinced me to shop up the range and grab a bottle of the 17 year old at nearly £100? No. It's a decent dram but just seems a bit safe when compared to something like Benromach.
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I've literally just finished tasting this alongside the Macduff and Glen Scotia 15 you sent and then saw your review.
It was probably my least favourite of the three to be honest and would agree that it's certainly pleasant and drinkable but it hasn't really set my taste-buds on fire. I also feel I added too much water but maybe it just doesn't take it that well?
I was getting quite a sour, white fruit thing on the nose a bit like under ripe apricots. Finish was nice though and longer than I expected with some lovely soft tannins. 85 seems about where I'd have it.