Review #48: Craigellachie 13

Craigellachie 13

Owned by Dewars, owned by Bacardi, not the most exciting start. Then I saw NCF and NCA and started to get a bit excited. Named after the cliff over looking the Spey, this distillery calls their whisky "Anything but smooth."

Speyside - 13 years old - NCF - NCA- Sample ($60 at the local) - 46%

Color - Old Gold

Nose - Toffee, some sweetness, stewed pairs, baking spices

Taste - Porridge, nutmeg, smoke, fruit like tropical starbursts

Finish - Medium Short - Gentle smoke and faint fruit

Overall - 6 - This was not what I expected as a Speyside. This was its own thing and I liked it. People (and the distillary) call it "meaty." I am not sure I would call it that but I will say it is a fine dram. The smoke is very interesting in this one. It is probably closest to Talisker but I am not even sure on that. It is subtle, married into the scotch but there lurking the whole time.

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Rating system is price influenced as it is based on my shopping decisions when buying a bottle.

10 Best in Show

9 Great Dram for Special Occasions

8 Worthy of consistent spot in my collection

7 Worth picking up a bottle if in the mood

6 I would buy a bottle if it went on sale

5 I would drink it happily if offered

4 I would drink it if offered on the rocks

3 Maybe some soda will make this potable

2 I'll Pass

1 Toilet cleaner

Inclusive Ratings

Overall 6.1