Craigellachie – 17 Year Old (70cl, 46%)

A 17-year-old Speyside single malt from Craigellachie, bottled at 46% without chill-filtration or added colour. Its colour comes entirely from the casks. The whisky first matures in ex-bourbon and ex-sherry casks. For the second phase of maturation, half goes into first-fill sherry casks and half into first-fill bourbon casks, so both cask types shape the final stage. Soft, silky exotic fruit sits alongside the firm distillery character, while aromatic liquorice adds a spicy counterpoint to vanilla and fruit sweetness. The nose brings apple crumble, melon and raisins with honeyed barley, vanilla ice cream and a light smoky note. The palate opens very sweet with pineapple and vanilla cream pastry, before a meaty side emerges, with clearer smoke, some clove and oak. The finish is waxy and smoky.