Craigellachie 13 Year

Stop number 12 on the SDT is Craigellachie. This Speysider has been around a long time, but until a few years ago was only available as a component in blends, most notably in Dewar's. In 2014 the introduced a line of single malts, 13, 17, 23, and 31 year olds (all prime numbers). This one is 46% ABV and is non chill filtered and natural color of golden amber. At first whiff I can immediately recognize the Dewars notes. Fruity at first with mangos, apples and pears. Floral honey with a light smoke. Some green oak, wood spices, vanilla and a bourbon like sweetness. There is some cardboard in there as well. Malty too. Something odd happened after a little time as I got a distinct smell of dentist office and minty fluoride. Weird I know but that's what I got. Not unpleasant, but it was not welcoming either. Overall very green. The palate was a little less to my liking. Strong peppery arrival which I did enjoy, but it only goes downhill from there. Sour apples is dominant. Very green oak playing in the background with a fair amount of mint, but the mint is covered up by how sour it is. Medium bodied mouthfeel that is a bit oily and a little dry. Medium long finish that again is sour. Pepper and oak and a long lingering mint. I held this bottle in my hands many times in my travels only to put it back down and purchase something else. I loved the look of the label but something told me "you won't like this as much as you think you will". Turns out I was right. It's a very interesting dram for sure and some may love it, it's just not for me. I can see why it's used in blends, but I feel that's where it should stay. Thanks to Ryan for the sample.