Whisky Review/Tasting: Craigellachie 23 years

Physical Whisky Characteristics

Origin: Speyside, Scotland
Type: Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Distillation and Maturation Process: Utilizes rare warm-tub condensers for an unusual, strong, sulphury flavor profile. The maturation age is 23 years, indicating a long aging process that contributes to its complexity.
Age Statement: 23 years
Color and Bottle Design: The whisky is described as having a light color. The bottle design is noted for its retro style, with a thick, circular shape that enhances the appearance of the whisky. The packaging includes a tube with detailed labeling that references the distillery's history and production methods.

Balance of Flavors: The Craigellachie 23 years is characterized by a complex balance of sweet, fruity, floral, and spicy notes, with a distinct presence of bergamot oil and oakiness.
Unique Characteristics: Notable for its sulphury flavors, which are unusual but not off-putting to the reviewer. The whisky is described as light, very fruity, sweet, and floral, with specific notes of rose aroma, Mirabelle, and a spicy note reminiscent of Earl Grey tea (specifically the bergamot oil).
Comparison: This whisky is considered far more complex and developed than its younger counterparts, the 13 and 17-year-old Craigellachie whiskies. It is described as having a distinct intensity and complexity that sets it apart.

Anecdotes: The distillery's use of warm tubs and the story of the distillery cat that would signal the stillman when to turn off the steam are highlighted as unique and charming aspects of Craigellachie's production process.
Historical Reference: Alfred Barnard, a 19th-century whisky expert, is mentioned for his documentation of the distillery, noting its old-fashioned style even in the 1890s. This historical perspective adds depth to the understanding of Craigellachie's commitment to traditional methods.

Speyside Identity: As a Speyside single malt, Craigellachie 23 years embodies the region's reputation for producing whiskies of exceptional quality and complexity. The distillery's traditional methods and the geographical context contribute to the whisky's unique flavor profile and cultural significance.

Personal Opinions: Horst Luening, the master taster, expresses a personal tolerance and appreciation for the sulphury flavors, possibly influenced by his upbringing in a coal mining area. He describes the whisky as "intense, strong, complex," and appreciates the complexity and development of flavors.
Memorable Quotes: "Sulphury flavors to its spirit. Well, I was raised in a coal mining area...it's okay, I know the sulfur. You should have some sulfur in your life."

Craigellachie 23 years is a Speyside single malt Scotch whisky aged for 23 years.
Utilizes warm-tub condensers for a unique, sulphury flavor profile.
Features a complex balance of sweet, fruity, floral, and spicy notes, with a distinct presence of bergamot oil and oakiness.
The distillery's traditional methods and stories, such as the use of warm tubs and the distillery cat anecdote, add charm and depth to the whisky's identity.
Horst Luening appreciates the whisky's complexity and unique flavor profile, despite or because of its sulphury notes.

Whisky Enthusiasts: Experienced whisky drinkers who appreciate complex, aged single malts with unique flavor profiles.
Speyside Scotch Lovers: Those who enjoy the typical characteristics of Speyside whiskies but are looking for something with a distinctive twist.
Collectors: The historical significance, unique production methods, and the rarity of a 23-year age statement make this a desirable bottle for collectors.
Adventurous Palates: Individuals open to exploring unusual flavor profiles, particularly those involving sulphury notes.