Craigellachie 13 Year

Nose - Apples, pears, dark honey, caramel, oak aged chardonnay Taste - Oak aged apple/pear cider, honey, creamy caramel, hint of cinnamon, light waxy mouthfeel, golden raisins Finish - Waxy feeling, pleasant caramel, vanilla, baked apples, golden raisins Score - 85/100 Final Thoughts - This was a nice dram and I think if tasted blind, I'd probably think of it like a mix between a higher proof Glenlivet 12 mixed with a Clynelish 14 as it has the classic flavors of a more standard ex-Bourbon Speyside, but with the nice waxy mouthfeel of a Clynelish. This was nice, enjoyable, nothing too complex but is nice to sip on without thinking too much. Good neat or in a highball or even as a base for cocktails I think it'd hold up, although it might lose a bit of the waxy mouthfeel with additional dilution. Would I drink it if offered? - Yes Would I specifically order it? - Maybe Would I buy a bottle? - If I could find it for ~$40 USD

I'm always comforted by the lovely notes on the nose of a true and proper Speyside whisky. There is something floral yet earthly in the scent. I may not be dreaming of sugar plum fairies, but there is certainly something there that evokes said imagery in my mind. This whisky invokes a kind of poison apple. I'm intrigued, but there is something I cannot trust. But in a good way. On the tongue that same sense lingers. I'm treated with a wonderful pleasure, but am still unable to put my guard down. There is something about this whisky that leads me to think this old, abandoned castle still has skeletons crawling. Though, further intrigued, I continue to explore these halls and wonder the source of the beauty I experience. I feel I may be doing this whisky wrongly because it is very good indeed and I don't want to discourage. Finding, or rather stumbling, my way through the complexities will always yield varied experiences. In short, Craigellachie 13 is a great whisky that all should try. Speyside-ness shines through, but I never thought I was drinking a Macallan or Aberlour. This stands out as unique and lovely with a extra edge of darkness. While I may prefer a Balvenie as a staple, I wouldn't dare question a wizard who drinks Craigellachie by the fireside. "Dark for dark business! There are many hours before the dawn." - The Hobbit Sláinte

As part of last night’s Craigellechie tasting, this was in the lineup along with a 17 yr old, and an extremely rare 51 yr old (only 51 bottles—-all allocated for free tasting to 150 people randomly selected by lottery). If you like Springbank 10, you’ll like this. It’s rough. It’s rugged. Meaty, full of sulfurous notes, chewy oily texture, and herbaceous. Personally I feel it’s easy to like a smooth balanced whisky, but difficult to make and like a rough one. This is a testament to Craigellechie’s production process. Sure it’s NCF and no-coloring, but they go much further. They use traditional coal fired to distill vs the automated method (only ones to do so now). The also distill in a fashion that retains some of the sulfurous compounds, which is an act of sheer craftsmanship—-too much retention and you’ll feel as if your sucking on a matchstick. I’d be a buyer of this—-very in-Speyside like, more Cambeltown like

Slightly medicinal, spicy, fruity