Description

Craigellachie Aged 19 Years Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

Volume: 700ml          ABV: 46%          Age: 19 Years Old         Country: Scotland

Craigellachie, like most distilleries, had spent its life providing fillings for blends. 90% of all Scotch whisky sold globally is blended whisky and Craigellachie was only officially bottled as a single malt in 2004. Most larger distilleries survive only to provide the spirit for those blends. However most of these distilleries are noticing the resurgence in the desire to drink single malt whisky instead of a blend. Craigellachie is quite unique in the method it uses to make its whisky. The worm tubs used at Craigellachie are fairly unique and to allow the whisky to take on a meaty, full bodied character with hints of sulphur these worm tubs are essential. They are also an old fashioned way of producing whisky and a method not many distilleries currently use.

The Craigellachie 19 Year Old is a mature and complex expression within the distillery’s “odd-aged” core range. It beautifully showcases Craigellachie’s distinctive robust and somewhat “meaty” spirit, mellowed and enriched by nearly two decades of maturation. Aged for 19 Years, this age allows the spirit’s character to fully develop, integrating with the oak while retaining its unique distillery traits. Matured predominantly in a combination of ex-Bourbon and refill Sherry casks. This careful balance of cask types allows the distillery’s idiosyncratic character to shine, with vanilla and subtle fruit notes from the oak, rather than being completely dominated by active sherry. Bottled at 46% alc/vol, a strength chosen to deliver its complex flavours effectively without excessive alcohol burn. Non-chill filtered and has natural colour, adhering to a philosophy of preserving the whisky’s authentic character. It’s part of Craigellachie’s distinctive core range, known for its unique “odd” age statements (13, 17, 19, 23 years old).

Our Tasting Notes

The Craigellachie 19 Year Old is praised for its intriguing balance of its robust, sulphury character with a developing sweetness, fruitiness, and elegant oak.

Nose: Complex and inviting, often starting with notes of toasted nuts, roasted pineapple, and rich honey. You’ll find subtle hints of sulphur or yeast extract (a hallmark of the worm tubs), mingled with creamy vanilla, dried apricots, and a touch of gingerbread or baking spices.

Palate: Full-bodied and oily, coating the mouth. Flavours of malty sweetness, rich toffee, and caramelised orchard fruits (baked apple, pear tart) lead the way. The distinctive savoury or waxy character of Craigellachie is present but beautifully integrated, balanced by creamy vanilla, toasted almonds, and a building peppery spice.

Finish: Long, warming, and evolving. Lingering notes of sweet oak, dark honey, and a delicate spiciness persist. Hints of dried fruit, a subtle minerality, and that unique sulphury character (now softened) fade gently.

This whisky is a superb example of Craigellachie’s unique production shining through in a well aged and balanced dram.