Whisky Review/Tasting: Craigellachie 31 Years

Physical Whisky Characteristics

Origin: Craigellachie Distillery, Scotland.
Type: Single Malt Scotch Whisky.
Age Statement: 31 years.
Distillation and Maturation Process: The whisky uses malted barley from a particular kiln in Glenesk, which is unusually produced using an oil fire, leading to a spirit with a noticeably heavier character. The distillation process involves traditional warm tubs for cooling the spirit, which is said to produce a heavier spirit and impart an unusually strong sulfury flavor.
Color and Clarity: The whisky has an intense color with a different hue or tone compared to other ages, indicating a unique maturation process.
Bottle Design: The whisky is presented in a beautiful oak box with a wonderful piece of woodwork for the lid, emphasizing its premium and rare status.

Balance of Flavors: Beautifully balanced, smooth, and rich, with a complex blend of fruit and intense oakiness. A swirl of smoke is noted in the background, although not prominently.
Unique Characteristics: The whisky is described as having an exotic fruit profile, including notes of pineapple, papaya, and mango, though the pineapple is not distinctly smelled. The finish is silky smooth with a lingering exoticness, and the aftertaste includes bitterness akin to espresso, which vanishes, leaving a sweeter, mouth-watering, and spicy flavor.
Comparison: The flavor profile is unique, with a heavy, possibly masculine character, without direct comparisons to other whiskies mentioned.

Distillery Cat Anecdote: A story about a cat that would warm itself in the stillhouse and run away when it smelled the vapor from the spirit, signaling the stillman to turn the steam down.
Warm Tubs Myth Correction: A correction of the misconception that warm tubs provide more copper contact than modern condensers, explaining that Craigellachie's use of warm tubs contributes to the whisky's heavier spirit and strong sulfury flavor.

Glenesk Maltings: The use of malted barley from Glenesk, a distillery closed in the '80s, adds a layer of historical and geographical significance to the whisky, highlighting a connection to Scotland's whisky production heritage.

"It's expensive. It's really expensive." - Highlighting the rarity and value of the whisky.
"A wonderful complex full mouth filling." - Describing the rich and complex flavor profile.
"It's worth finishing, definitely." - Recommending the quality and enjoyment of the whisky.

Craigellachie 31 Years is a rare and expensive single malt Scotch whisky with a unique maturation process.
It features a complex flavor profile with exotic fruit notes and a smooth, rich balance.
The whisky's production involves traditional methods, including the use of warm tubs and malted barley from Glenesk.
Interesting anecdotes and corrections of misconceptions add depth to the storytelling aspect.
The whisky is presented in a beautifully crafted oak box, emphasizing its premium status.

Whisky Collectors: Given its rarity and unique characteristics, collectors would find this bottle a valuable addition.
Experienced Whisky Enthusiasts: Those with a palate for complex, aged whiskies would appreciate the depth and richness of Craigellachie 31 Years.
Fans of Heavy, Sulfury Whiskies: Individuals who enjoy a heavier spirit with a noticeable sulfury flavor would find this whisky intriguing.
Luxury Gift Seekers: The beautiful presentation and rarity make it an excellent choice for a significant gift.