Whisky: Craigellachie 15 Year (2006) Thompson Brothers

Country/Region: Scotland/Speyside

ABV: 50%

Cask: Refill Hogshead

Age: 15 Years (Distilled 23 Oct. 2006, Bottled June 2022)

Nose: Lemon, cream, walnut oil, greenwood, oak moss, slightly medicinal herbs, rose hip and orange rind, machine grease.

Palate: Medium-bodied, oily and almost creamy fats, dried citrus and herbs, walnut pastries, hints of almond extract, green plums, olive oil, musty herbs at the end.

Finish: Medium-length, dusty herbs, walnut oil, nutty pastries.

Score: 6 (76)

Mental Image: Pastry Dough Puzzle Pieces

Narrative & Notes: The nose and palate of this whisky seemed to be slightly mismatched puzzle pieces; one could almost see how they fit together, but the oily, almost medicinal nature of the nose stood in contrast to the more pleasant creamy pastries on the palate.  There were commonalities in the official tasting notes, especially the walnut oil and herbs, which might be the same note Thompson Bros referred to as coconut or dried coconut.  I did not find any coconut, but there was a creaminess, which I see as coconut milk-adjacent.

Overall, this Craigellachie always felt a bit rough around the edges, especially on the nose and the finish. I am curious how this was at cask strength; since the bottler chose to adjust it down to 50%, I could certainly see it being far more peppery or woody.

Image Credit: Whisky Auctioneer