Craigellachie 2011 100 Proof Edition #81 15 yo

 

 

 

57,1° (100° Proof)

Distillery : Craigellachie - Speyside

Refill Casks and 1st Fill Pedro Ximénez Sherry Finish

Independent Bottling 

By Signatory Vintage

Limited Edition 

Single Malt 

Bottled in 2026

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured

Totally Unpeated

 

 

 

The second-to-last bottling currently available in the 100 Proof range, which has been around since January 2024, is this one, a Craigellachie that’s no less than 15 years old. It was finished in first-fill Pedro Ximénez sherry butts, undoubtedly for a long time, but unfortunately, the exact duration has not been disclosed. 

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

Pressed white grapes, with a woody note. But also mirabelle plums, bananas, grapefruit and lemon. Leather and smoky bark, lichen, very light acidity, red currant jam, dates and dried figs, the influence of sherry is subtle. Molasses and tobacco leaf. On the palate, the influence of the wood is more pronounced, green tea, a slight bitterness, spices, not-quite-ripe Reine-Claude plums, dark chocolate. The finish is long but not very powerful, rough wood, hints of charcoal, heather, warm chestnuts, slightly dry but fertile earth, tobacco crumbs, white cabbage.

 

In Short, 

Like Batch 82, I think it has a very nice nose, but on the palate, the oak is a bit overpowering. The problem with this range is that the oak is too dominant. That said, it’s still a good Craigellachie, and I’m starting to think this distillery is really worth a visit. The prices are low, so fans of this style should definitely give it a try. 

Score : 87

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                             To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                             Beth Orton - Cigarette Curls

Craigellachie 1997 Les Fûts oubliés 25 yo

 

 

 

50,5°

Distillery : Craigellachie - Speyside

Hogshead

Independent Bottling 

By Celtic Whisky Distillerie

Limited Edition 

Single Cask 

Bottled in 2023

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Totally Unpeated 

 

 

 

Celtic Whisky Distillerie is a French distillery founded in 1997, but it is also an independent bottler that purchased a few casks a long time ago. These few casks are now bottled and ready for sale, now that the distillery and all its stock has been sold to Maison Villevert. Five have been released so far, and 17 are planned. This one is a 25-year-old Craigellachie, aged in a single hogshead for 25 years, 10 months and 25 days. As the cask was stored in the cellars of the Breton distillery, it does not have the Scotch Whisky designation. However, it is indeed a Single Cask and only 289 bottles are available, exclusively at Le Comptoir Irlandais in France. The label is the work of the visual artist Erika Raio. 

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

Malty and honeyed notes, very subtle with wax and varnish, stewed fruit and soft wood, caressing spices, a whiff of smoke. Soft caramel, chestnut cream, candied apricots, juicy greengages, delicate floral scents, mirabelle plums. On the palate, Comice pears, lychees, it's soft and velvety, vanilla and grated coconut, raisins and dried figs, a pinch of cinnamon, oak bark. Fairly long, explosive finish, chocolatey, cereal, hummus, a drop of olive oil, a few crunchy nuts, green tea. 

 

In Short, 

It's not much like the usual Craigellachies, it's not as robust and there's less character, but on the other hand it's very subtle and honeyed, the wood is particularly well balanced, I really liked it. With this expression, you're totally in Speyside, whereas Craigellachie often has a Highlands feel to it, and honestly I prefer it that way. What's more, the price is incredibly low, perhaps because it doesn't have the Scotch Whisky designation. Definitely an opportunity not to be missed. 

Score : 90

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                           SpaceAcre - Say

Craigellachie 2008 Fàire - Orizzonti di Riccardo Furini 16 yo

 

 

 

60,9°

Distillery : Craigellachie - Speyside

Sherry Cask

Independent Bottling 

By Hidden Spirits 

Limited Edition 

Single Cask 

Bottled in 2025

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Totally Unpeated

 

 

 

The third and final release in this small series launched this year by Hidden Spirits, combining the work of Riccardo Furini with whisky. Here we have a Craigellachie that has spent 16 years in a sherry cask, yielding only 105 bottles, exactly like the other two. The artwork chosen to illustrate the label is entitled I Cani abbaiano si agitano i Cavalli.

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

A nose typical of the distillery, both robust and indulgent, dates, dried bananas, cherries in brandy, cranberry jam, dark chocolate filled with orange, soft caramel, old leather, apple crumble sprinkled with cinnamon. On the palate, it is thick and silky, purée of red berries, of quinces, apricots and raisins, cloves, cocoa powder and compote. The finish is more cereal-like and woody, with wood chips, damp hay, hazelnuts and chestnuts, biscuits stuffed with red berries, light coffee, earthy notes.

 

In Short, 

There is a beautiful complexity and character, the sherry blends very well with the distillery's profile. It is rich but not overly so, with a slightly rustic, farmhouse feel, woody and forest-like. It has a beautiful depth that can be appreciated over time. However, I find the price too high, I understand that the design is expensive, but it is above all the whisky that we are buying. 

Score : 88

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                           mercury - Special

Craigellachie 2005 Decadent Drams 20 yo

 

 

 

58,3°

Distillery : Craigellachie - Speyside

Refill Hogshead and 1st Fill Sherry Finish

Independent Bottling 

By Decadent Drinks 

Limited Edition 

Single Cask 

Bottled in 2025

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Totally Unpeated

 

 

 

This one spent 16 years in a Refill Hogshead before being stored for 4 years in a 1st Fill Sherry Hogshead. As a result, there are 251 bottles out there that are likely to be emptied at any moment. Decadent Drams is a new range launched just a year ago by Angus McRaild, founder of Decadent Drinks, and there are already around 40 bottlings.

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

Waxy and mellow nose, with dates, figs and dried bananas. Raspberry coulis mixed with goat's milk, chives, dark chocolate, brown tobacco and prunes. Beeswax, barbecue sauce, old library and a hint of sulphur. On the palate, walnut oil, freshly extinguished pipe, treacle, strawberry smoothie, a slice of raw meat, coppery reflections, intense spices. Long, powerful finish, fruit paste, herbal notes, basil pesto, peppermint. Earthy caramel, raisins, sprig of rosemary. Wet earth. 

 

In Short, 

It's close to a Sherry Bomb, but very high-end, nuanced, with vegetal notes that enhance the fruit and a warm depth. The kind of bomb that never stops exploding, and whose every burst touches our hearts. Obviously, it's a bit excessive and won't appeal to everyone, but those who like it will be able to overlook the disproportionate price.

Score : 89

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                          Vixsin - Fawning 

Craigellachie 13 yo

 

 

 

46°

Distillery : Craigellachie - Speyside

Refill American Oak Bourbon Barrels 

Original Bottling 

Core Range 

Single Malt 

Launched in 2014 

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured

Totally Unpeated

 

 

 

Craigellachie is owned by Bacardi and it was in 2014 that a new range was launched, with a 13 year old, a 17 year old, and a 23 year old. The 13 year old is therefore the most accessible bottling and the distillery's signature. It is made with Worm Tubs, which are supposed to give a fuller-bodied distillate. Maturation is generally reported as being exclusively in Bourbon casks, but some say there are also a few Sherry casks, which is very possible.   

 

 

 

Let's Taste It :  

Lemony freshness, a dash of vanilla, ripe white plums and pears, fresh apples, whisked eggs, meringue, English custard, thick honey, perhaps a floral touch. Banana, pineapple in syrup. Discreet and slightly woody cereals. It's a bit flat on the palate, peach stones, vanilla concentrate, goat's milk. A zest of lemon, evanescent spices. Quite a long finish, and powerful given the relatively low alcohol content. Puffed rice, crispy wheat, prawn fritters, vanilla dessert cream. Coconut beads. Roasted peanuts.

 

In Short, 

This is an original Speyside, more robust than usual, with a seductive nose. The finish is quite interesting, but on the palate it's a bit flat, which is a shame. The value for money is decent, this is certainly a Speyside I could live with.

Score : 84

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                           Lana Del Rey - Ride

Craigellachie 2014 100 Proof Edition #39 10 yo

 

 

 

57,1° (100° Proof)

Distillery : Craigellachie - Speyside 

1st Fill Pedro Ximénez Hogsheads, 2d Fill Oloroso Butts, & Dechar/Rechar Hogsheads

Independent Bottling

By Signatory Vintage 

Limited Edition 

Single Malt 

Bottled in 2025

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured

Totally Unpeated

 

 

 

So the 39th bottling in the 100 Proof range, launched in January 2024, is a Craigellachie that has undergone a fairly complex triple maturation process. Having spent 10 years in the casks and released several thousand bottles, it's always worth dipping your lips in. 

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

Candied cherries, Morello cherries, varnished wood, soaked leather, very ripe mirabelles. Blueberry tart, shortcrust pastry, iced tea, mint leaves. Melted butter, palets bretons. A touch of salt. Very light smoke resulting from burnt wood. On the palate, waxed wood, liquorice stick, churned butter, fermented plum. Slightly strong spices, cumin, cloves, black pepper. Powerful, languorous finish, but not so long, charcoal, liquorice sweets, melting toffee, roasted nuts, cooked mushrooms. 

 

In Short, 

The burnt casks mean that the Sherry doesn't take up all the room, and the result is a well-balanced, pleasant bottling with a certain character. As always with this range, the price is rather attractive, and fans of this distillery can embark on a purchase with confidence. 

Score : 87

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                           Ellen Beth Abdi - Who This World is Made For 

Craigellachie 2007 Exceptional Cask 100 Proof Edition #4 16 yo

 

 

 

57,1° (100° Proof)

Distillery : Craigellachie - Speyside 

1st Fill Oloroso Sherry Butt 

Independent Bottling 

By Signatory Vintage

Limited Edition 

Single Malt 

Bottled in 2024

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured

Totally Unpeated

 

 

 

Within the 100 Proof range launched by Signatory Vintage at the beginning of the year, there are the Exceptional Cask, made from the oldest casks. This is the 4th of its kind, a Craigellachie aged for 16 years in first-fill Sherry Butts.

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

Balanced lemon and floral notes, yellow flowers. Grapefruit, blood orange, light tobacco, dates and prickly pears, ethereal freshness, hawthorn. Very light smokiness. Creamy honey, woody touches, varnish. On the palate, it's very balanced, velvety, soft caramel, melting, slightly syrupy, honeyed, with lively spices, nutmeg, paprika. Almond paste, filled dates. The finish is full of character, damp wood, dark chocolate, cloves, Arabica coffee, earthy undertones.

 

In Short, 

It's really good and interesting, the Sherry isn't too overpowering, and there's a real identity in the glass. It's pleasant to drink. The price is still interesting, but not as much as the simple 100 Proof range, which is much cheaper. It's still a reasonable buy.

Score : 88

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping :

 

                                           Patti LaBelle - If You Don't Know Me By Now

Craigellachie 1999 Exceptional Cask Series 23 yo c. 3

 

 

 

55°

Distillery : Craigellachie - Speyside

Oloroso Sherry Cask 

Original Bottling 

Limited Edition 

Single Cask 

Bottled in 2022

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Totally Unpeated 

 

 

 

As part of the New Vibrations collection, which means exclusive distribution with La Maison du Whisky, the distillery is releasing one of its finest pearls, a juice aged in a single Oloroso Sherry cask for 23 years, 1 month and 15 days, from which 582 bottles have been released.

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

Genoise, melting caramel drizzled with whipped cream, exotic fruits, roasted pineapple, papaya and passion fruit juice, frosted lemon, juicy peaches, elegant oak, hazelnuts and whole almonds, some cereal and malty hints. Creamy palate marked by citrus fruits, perhaps with a touch of mineral, and intense spices, cloves, cumin. The finish is both foresty and iodised, with beeswax, a touch of salt and humus, a return of exotic fruits, sunflower seeds at the end.

 

In Short, 

I wish I could say it was a delight, but the fact is that I may have missed something. The nose and finish are truly complex and intense, but the palate was a little too lemony for my taste. Others thought it was a superb expression, and you can believe them as much as you can believe me and my reservations. As for the price, everyone agrees that it's too much.

Score : 89     

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping :

 

                                           The Paper Kites - Mercy