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