Craigellachie 20 Year SMWS 44.125 “El paraiso”
Whisky : Craigellachie 20 Year SMWS 44.125 “El paraiso”
Country/Region : Scotland/Speyside
ABV : 57.4%
Cask : Refill Oloroso Sherry Butt
Age : 20 Years (Distilled 24 Aug. 1999)
Nose : Rich and spicy. Heady waves of tobacco, leather, and powdered chocolate. Sweet molasses and caramelized brown sugar with butter, dried candied fruits, and a delightful mix of fruit punch and sprite which I was told is called “sprunch.” A few drops of water brought strawberry to the fore along with milk chocolate.
Palate : Thick and viscous, the initial impression was one of honey baked ham skin, pancake syrup, and old oak. Chocolate emerged with fruits: orange candies, orange cocoa powder dusted truffles, and lemon-lime jellies. Cinnamon, ginger, and baking spices came on the end while a few drops of water highlighted tobacco and molasses.
Finish : Nice and long with notes of citrus oil and chocolate.
Score : 7
Mental Image : Candlelight Soufflé
Notes : This was a well integrated and mature Craigellachie. The cask did not overwhelm the meaty-mineral quality of the spirit and a lovely diversity of fruit notes paired well with chocolate and spicy tobacco. I do think I prefer my scotch a bit younger and punchier, but this was absolutely lovely. There were no strange off notes on this and the viscosity of the spirit was wonderfully mouth-coating. I do wish some of those meatier notes that hit right at the outset hung around a bit longer, but waves of sweet spice and caramelized sugars were a crowd pleaser.
Overall a pleasant and well balanced Craigellachie with plenty of nuance. If I am drinking an older sherried scotch, I want it to be somewhere in the neighborhood of this.
