Craigellachie 13 Year Old Bas-Armagnac Cask Finish Single Malt Scotch Whisky
(750ml) [WA 93, #20 Top 20 Of 2022]

Notes from the Distillery:

Craigellachie is the rock at the heart of Speyside, yet is anything but your typical 'Speyside' whisky. Considered old fashioned even in 1891, its muscular robustness comes from the traditional worm tub condensers that bestow extra flavour. It's this full, yet aromatic, character that has made Craigellachie a prized malt since the late 19th century and highly-awarded in the modern age.

Armagnac is the oldest French spirit still made using traditional methods including worm tub condensers. This Craigellachie 13 is the first in the Craigellachie Cask Finish series and has been matured for a minimum of 13 years, first in American Oak casks and finished in Armagnac casks from the Bas region. This finish rounds our muscular Craigellachie.

97 proof

Tasting Notes:

This whisky bears notes of baked apples dusted with cinnamon and notes of caramel shortcake, offset by signature syrupy pineapples and fiery bonfire night aromas.

Awards

93 Points, #20, Top 20 Of 2022 - Whisky Advocate

"Master blender Stephanie Macleod is at it again with this sumptuous sipper, which is soft, sweet, and lovely. On the nose there’s apple pie, nutmeg, cinnamon stick, vanilla extract, and cookie dough wafting from the glass. There’s also a trace of earthiness, thanks to a clean grassy note and the slightest bit of salinity. The palate is well spiced, honeyed, and full of vanilla sweetness, with some espresso and black pepper. A delightfully rich finish offers up a mouthful of baked apples and lingering spice."

"A big slug of malt and cereal on the nose cue you in to a classic Speyside experience, though a slightly rustic edge of barrel char, camphor, and clean linen take things in a new direction — the lattermost particularly evoking the floral notes of brandy. First sips showcase the grain clearly, popping with notes of lemon and grapefruit before meandering to notes of nougat and almond. The florals evident in the nose are muted here on the palate, though touches of lavender linger into the lasting, lightly perfumed finish. Some cinnamon and cocoa powder add an additional layer, but a gritty pinch of barrel char brings you back from the edge in the end." - Drinkhacker (B+)

"The nose has touches of apple cobbler, cinnamon, pineapple, and a hint of caramel. The taste is spicy and vibrant with notes of cinnamon, caramel, grilled pineapple, toasted oak, and honey. The finish is long and subtle with hints of wood smoke and red apples. Very nice!" - Whiskycast