Description

Craigellachie Aged 13 Years Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

Volume: 700ml          ABV: 46%          Age: 13 Years Old         Country: Scotland

The Whisky

The Craigellachie 13 Year Old is the defiant “bad boy” of Speyside, known for its unapologetically muscular and old school character. Bottled at 46% ABV, this single malt is a core expression in the “Last Great Malts” series. It is matured in a mixture of ex-Bourbon and ex-Sherry casks, but the wood is merely a supporting player to the heavy, sulfurous, and oily spirit that Craigellachie is famous for.

The secret to its unique profile lies in the distillery’s use of oil fired kilns to dry the barley and traditional worm tub condensers to cool the spirit. Unlike modern shell and tube condensers that strip away “heavy” flavours, the worm tubs provide less copper contact, leaving behind the savoury, “meaty” notes that make Craigellachie a cult favourite. It is non-chill filtered and naturally coloured, presenting a robust Highland style that bridges the gap between elegance and raw power.

Our Tasting Notes

Nose: A complex and intense opening of baked apples and lemon curd topped with a surprising hint of sulfury gunpowder and strike matches. Beneath the fruit lies a savoury layer of toasted oats and a touch of bonfire smoke.

Palate: The mouthfeel is remarkably heavy and “chewy.” Initial flavours of sweet tropical fruits (pineapple and melon) are met by a robust, savoury backbone of roasted meat and malted barley. Mid-palate, notes of clove, vanilla, and a hint of cordite develop.

Finish: Long, warming, and evocatively sooty. The finish lingers with a satisfying marshmallow sweetness and toasted oak, finally fading into a final, savoury trail of pepper and light smoke.

The Distillery

Craigellachie (Gaelic for “Rocky Hill”) was founded in 1891 and sits on a cliff overlooking the junction of the rivers Fiddich and Spey. For much of its history, it was a “hidden” malt used primarily for White Horse blends. A unique factual detail: The distillery was designed by the legendary Charles Doig, the architect who invented the “Pagoda” roof seen on Scottish distilleries. Today, under the ownership of Bacardi (John Dewar & Sons), it has been reborn as a standalone single malt brand, prized for its refusal to follow the trend toward lighter, smoother Speyside styles.

Overall Review

The Craigellachie 13 is widely reviewed as a “must-try” for those who find standard Speyside malts too delicate. Critics praise its “bold, meaty, and funky” character, often describing it as one of the best-value 13 year olds on the market due to its unique texture and complexity.