Craigellachie – 13 Year Old (70cl, 46%)

A 13 year old Speyside single malt from Craigellachie, bottled at 46% in a 70cl bottle. Maturation starts in former bourbon and sherry casks. Half of the whisky then continues in first fill sherry casks and half in first fill bourbon casks, before the two parts are brought together. It is non-chill-filtered and has no added colour, so the colour comes from the casks alone. The character is robust and slightly meaty, with an oily texture, sweet fruit, spice and a faint touch of smoke. The nose is toasted marshmallow, baked apple and clove. The palate has roasted pineapple, vanilla, toffee and fudge. The finish is long and warming, with sweet malt, oak spice, a very light wood smoke and a sulphury note.