Craigellachie Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky 23 Year Old

Nose

That’s lovely: a nice oily, slightly dirty and industrial note balanced by orchard fruits. (Almost evoking Campbeltown, until the fruit takes over.) And it’s in that baked apple, heather honey and mead zone that the dram settles. Sulphur – just a hint, just enough. Slightly soapy too, with a flash of tarragon and something meaty, like a chicken broth. I would say that despite the age and interesting presence in the glass, it isn’t too complex.

Palate

Baked apples, pears and a heft of meatiness dominate the palate. Oily, and the characterful sulphur comes to the fore. Herbal, and slightly ashy. Honey, but it’s not that sweet. Nutmeg. I think this one just feels too heavy on the refill casks (second or third-fill perhaps? I could be completely wrong)

Finish

There’s a lovely texture that comes through and there’s an oaky, tannic bitterness with cloves and pepper.