AVB
Jesus of Cool, I'm bad, I'm nationwide
Craigellachie 14 yo Speyside Single Malt, standard bottle, box packaging, 80 proof, 70cl, not available in the US, about $75-80 imported.
After taking a break with some Irish whiskey for a week or two (review to follow sometime in the future) it was time to get back to Scotch again.
Founded in 1888 by Peter Mackie, who also founded Lagavulin, it took three years to build and was ready for production in 1891. The vast majority of it's output is for blends, specifically Dewar's now a days and White Horse in the past. In fact, this was known as the White Horse Distillery over 60 years but the signage changed in the 80's and now reads John Dewar & Sons. Supposedly only 2% of Craigellachie (pronounced "Craig-ella-ke") is bottled as a single malt.
After a dinner of Spiced Pork Loin, fresh green beans and a salad it was time to relax with a nice pour of Craigellachie in my glass. Being only 80 proof I didn't try this with ice or any water just neat. The color in the glass is a typical pale straw yellow that is seen in many Speyside whiskies matured in bourbon casks. The nose is wonderfully sweet and fruity with just a touch of peat smoke on the edges. First taste is as sweet as the nose suggests. Some malt and peach intermingle with a bit of pecan nut flavors which fade into a medium long finish. Some smoke shows itself way on the back of the tongue near the very end of the finish. All in all a very pleasant experience.
A good solid dram that is similar but different to a number of other Speysides. If this was available in the US I would have no problems recommending this instead of a Glenfiddich, Glenlivet or Dalmore for a change but the extra cost of importing it makes that a tough call. If you are looking for something different and don't mind the extra cost then Craigellachie will fit the bill admirably.
After taking a break with some Irish whiskey for a week or two (review to follow sometime in the future) it was time to get back to Scotch again.
Founded in 1888 by Peter Mackie, who also founded Lagavulin, it took three years to build and was ready for production in 1891. The vast majority of it's output is for blends, specifically Dewar's now a days and White Horse in the past. In fact, this was known as the White Horse Distillery over 60 years but the signage changed in the 80's and now reads John Dewar & Sons. Supposedly only 2% of Craigellachie (pronounced "Craig-ella-ke") is bottled as a single malt.
After a dinner of Spiced Pork Loin, fresh green beans and a salad it was time to relax with a nice pour of Craigellachie in my glass. Being only 80 proof I didn't try this with ice or any water just neat. The color in the glass is a typical pale straw yellow that is seen in many Speyside whiskies matured in bourbon casks. The nose is wonderfully sweet and fruity with just a touch of peat smoke on the edges. First taste is as sweet as the nose suggests. Some malt and peach intermingle with a bit of pecan nut flavors which fade into a medium long finish. Some smoke shows itself way on the back of the tongue near the very end of the finish. All in all a very pleasant experience.
A good solid dram that is similar but different to a number of other Speysides. If this was available in the US I would have no problems recommending this instead of a Glenfiddich, Glenlivet or Dalmore for a change but the extra cost of importing it makes that a tough call. If you are looking for something different and don't mind the extra cost then Craigellachie will fit the bill admirably.
