Review #288: SMWS 44.114 Sweet peas and toffee trees (Craigellachie 12)

 

Speyside - 12 - NCA  - NCF -  ~$130 if I had to guess- 62.2% 

Craigellachie is a Speyside distillery that is known for still using worm tubs.  Worm tubs are where the coil tubes through a tub of water to kick start the condensation process.  This is in contrast to the more modern shell and tube model.  What this does do is allow for more a more "meaty" spirit.  Craigellachie's current marketing is all about this.  This bottle came from a first fill ex-bourgon hogshead bottled by the Single Malt Whisky Society.  I got this off of a "misfits" swap, so that means at least one person didn't think this is their cup of tea.   

Color - Old Gold

Nose - Honey & Baked apples, further nosing reveals citrus, toffee apple, and a touch of a hard to place sulfer, maybe linen?

Palate -   Baked apples, baking spices, caramel, sandalwood 
Finish - Long - Pepper, citrus, and baking spice

Overall - 6 - This is really nice.  A big, high proof, classic highland style whisky.  I wouldn't pay SMWS' extortionist prices, but it does make me want to pick up more Craigellachie IBs.  I got a hint of sulfur on the nose but nothing one it passed my lips.  It isn't in that deli meat area that I have gotten from Mortlach or Benrinnes.  Overall, a nice, mostly neutral dram.   

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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
5.5 I enjoyed it but will never be priced at where I would buy a bottle

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 6.2

Standard Deviation 0.96

Skew 0.51

Kurtosis -0.28