Craigellachie 31 Years In Oak Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

Volume: 700ml          ABV: 52.2%          Age: 31 Years Old         Country: Scotland

World Whisky Of The Year 2017 – World Whisky Magazine ‘World Whisky Awards 2017’

According to the lads and lassies at the World Whisky Magazine this single malt whisky is the best of 2017. The World Whisky Awards are held yearly and one whisky is crowned the ‘World Whisky of The Year’ amongst all others. Let’s take a look at this incredible bottling from Craigellachie distillery which is sure to place Craigellachie on the map for whisky lovers worldwide.

Craigellachie, like most distilleries, had spent its life providing fillings for blends. 90% of all Scotch whisky sold globally is blended whisky. Most larger distilleries survive only to provide the spirit for those blends. However most of these distilleries are noticing the resurgence in the desire to drink single malt whisky instead of a blend. Craigellachie is quite unique in the method it uses to make its whisky. The worm tubs used at Craigellachie are fairly unique and to allow the whisky to take on a meaty, full bodied character with hints of sulphur these worm tubs are essential. They are also an old fashioned way of producing whisky and a method not many distilleries currently use.

Our Tasting Notes

Nose: The anticipation is high. Okay, let’s dive in. The butterscotch is the first aroma, creamy and sweet however delicate. Freshly cut pineapple comes to mind followed by a hint of vanilla and toffee. There’s spice there, perhaps cinnamon or it could be nutmeg. Crushed lemon zest brings fruity freshness and this combines well with dark chocolate notes. What comes to mind is when opening a bag of brown sugar for the first time which not only delivers a sweetness but a little nuttiness too. Perhaps toasted hazelnuts and there’s a sense there’s plenty of oils in this delicious single malt.

Palate: This has an explosion of flavour, the pineapple has been cut a day before creating a wonderful sweetness. The pineapple then combines with vanilla soaked raisins which in turn marries well with the meatiness as explained above. There’s a little hint of marzipan and more lemon zest and mouth coating butterscotch. Definitely getting cinnamon now and freshly cracked black pepper. The dark chocolate is coating the tongue and juggling ever so well with the pineapple and raisins. Simply stunning.

Finish: I thought for a second to not write about the finish, as I didn’t want it to finish. Why we have to wait for 31 years to taste something so deliciously smooth and tasty is beyond me. The oak is more evident in the finish, oils remain on the palate and the smoothness is exceptional. The toasted hazelnuts are back as is the fruity sweetness with a little hint of smoke which makes the ending to this whisky a true memory captured only by my taste buds.

We only have 6 bottles of the award winning single malt whisky and the effort we have gone to to bring them to Australia has been enormous. I hope you can try it at at a bar or even through a sample split with friends. It’s well worth the spend especially for a special occasion.