Craigellachie 2013/2024 - Malts of Scotland
Malts of Scotland is known for its bold and characterful releases, and this one is no exception: a Craigellachie at 61.2% ABV, straight from the cask, unfiltered and untouched. After 11 years in the cask, this Speyside whisky has turned into a true sherry bomb.
Tasting Notes
Nose
Right from the start, this whisky delivers a whirlwind of aromas. Plums, figs, and dates create an intense sweetness, while morello cherries add a darker fruit note. There are also hints of leather, tobacco, and something reminiscent of a long-heated grain pillow – warm, spicy, and slightly nutty.
Palate
The first sip is a full-on sherry explosion. Sweet, fruity flavors dominate the tip of the tongue before transitioning into old leather sofas, Cognac-like notes, and tobacco leaves. The texture is creamy, almost oily, yet it quickly dries out. Aged oak brings a strong spiciness, while slightly burnt notes add a smoky-bitter accent. Somewhere in between, rust and machine oil play a subordinate role.
Finish
Long and intense. The oak spice builds up further, but the sweetness remains – this time more like heather honey and caramel. The whisky fades out with dry, spicy oak, leaving a lingering warmth.
🥃 We would like to give you the opportunity to participate in a private bottle sharing at cost price with this bottle.
To our bottle sharingsThoughts
Marcel 81/100
This Craigellachie 2013/2024 is like a wild rollercoaster ride for the senses – untamed, full-bodied, and packed with plenty of rough edges. If you’re into powerful sherry bombs, you’ll have a blast with every nose and every sip. Elegance is nowhere to be found here, but that’s exactly what gives it its charm!
Sascha 85/100
With its robust structure and intense sherry notes, this Craigellachie presents itself as a technically impressive cask strength release that skillfully balances sweet fruit and austere oak. The complex spice and long finish make it an exciting example of a bold Speyside sherry, even if the edgy dryness might not be to everyone’s taste.
Value for Money: Excellent
💸 This whisky offers an outstanding value for money and is our value pick.
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87/100Frequently Asked Questions
Why does the Craigellachie 2013/2024 from Malts of Scotland have such a high alcohol content of 61.2%?
This Craigellachie was bottled at cask strength, meaning it was filled directly from the barrel without dilution. This preserves the whisky’s full intensity and complexity, which is especially noticeable at 61.2% ABV.
How does the eleven-year cask maturation influence the flavor of this Craigellachie?
The eleven years in sherry casks impart a pronounced sherry character with sweet aromas like plums, figs, and dates. At the same time, a spicy oakiness develops with notes of leather, tobacco, and a subtle smoky undertone.
What does it mean that the whisky was bottled "without filtration," and how does this affect the drinking experience?
Bottling without chill filtration means no flavor compounds were removed before bottling. This keeps the whisky more intense in flavor and retains a fuller texture, resulting in a creamy, almost oily mouthfeel.