1995 Craigellachie 18 YO Hepburn’s Choice K&L Exclusive Single Sherry Butt Cask Strength Single Malt – Scotch Whisky News
It wouldn’t be a whisky season without some big rich sherried malt to round out the selection. Craigellachie is becoming a serious force now that the owners have finally decided it should be marketed as a single malt. This exceptional distillery was almost exclusively reserved for the blends until very recently, but the heightened profile means that procuring more in the future might become more difficult. That’s why we knew we had to jump on this spectacular sherried ‘llachie. This has everything you want in a sherried malt and nothing that you don’t. It starts with a slight flintiness (don’t worry it’s not sulfur, just a spark on the front), this quickly blows off to reveal a magnificent bouquet of dried cherries, fudgy cacao nibs, roasted coffee beans, and freshly polished sandalwood. The dark aromas translate well to the palate, but never go bitter and the malty spirit adds lift and sweetness. Here is a truly balanced sherried malt like none other on the shelf right now. Sure we all sometimes love a big hammer of sherry right in your sensory organs, but sometimes you want the sweet velvety caress of that special wine from Jerez. Balanced, yet not lacking depth or power in anyway.
Jeffrey Jones | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: April 06, 2015
For fans of sherry-aged single malts the Craigellachie 18 is an absolute bargain. It is mouth-filling, with rich and round flavors. In my tasting notes I wrote “Wow.” For fans of Macallan 18 who want to branch out and try a similar yet different whisky.
David Othenin-Girard | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: March 25, 2015
This massive cask is definitely one of my favorites from this year. Craigellachie is a wonderful and under-appreciated distillery that’s only now getting recognition as a true Scottish Blue Chip. Its OB 17-year offering has recently won Speyside whisky of the year and this 18-year-old first-fill sherry version is another example of why the distillery is so well regarded by those in the know. Here we have some really classic sherry aromas, some fudge, wisps of gun smoke, dark dried plummy fruit. The palate dries up nicely (this is definitely Oloroso, not PX), but still brings out some Christmas cake and other dense fruity/spicy aromas. A real winner and an absolute steal considering where other malts in first-fill sherry are fetching these days.
David Driscoll | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: March 03, 2015
For those who enjoyed the sherry casks we once were able to secure from Glendronach, this is our current replacement–and it’s far less expensive. Lovely richness, cakebread and spice, good weight on the palate. It’s a solid 18 year old sherry-aged whisky for an outstanding price.
