Whisky: Craigellachie 16 Year (2003), SMWS 44.119 “Spice the mainbrace”

Country/Region: Scotland/Speyside

ABV: 60.2%

Cask: Bourbon Hogshead (14Y), First Fill Oloroso Hogshead

Age: 16 Years (Distilled 27 June 2003)

Nose: Nuts and fruits upfront with wood varnish and leather very close behind; orange peel, anise, and rosebud lent the impression of a potpourri or slightly spicy perfume with cedar, pepper, and a hint of cinnamon; a touch meaty at times with cured ham and burning wood resin.

Palate: Medium-bodied, oily viscosity, dried fruits and lacquered wood arrived first, with wood resins and cedar incense following; candied orange peel and jujube developed with honey, herbal tea, and leather; hints of pepper and floral notes in the background.

Finish: Medium to long; slightly drying with peppery spice, wood, and dried fruit.

Score: 6-7 (80)

Mental Image: The Perfume Merchant’s Nose

Narrative & Notes: Aromatic and varied, yet coherent and well-structured, this teenage Craigellachie was a largely cask-driven affair, but with a few nice twists that almost carried it beyond just being solid and into the excellent category. My standards for a sherry-dominated whisky are pretty high, especially considering they are just about the opposite of my general preferences— so if you love that cask-heavy style, you would likely score this a bit higher.

The aroma varied nicely, with some meaty-leathery and herbal elements between cask-driven fruits and spices. There was also ample wood on the nose and palate— too much for my taste generally. Far more fruit came alive on the palate, along with sweet honey and herbal teas. The finish was peppery but otherwise carried on the strong wood notes and more subtle fruit.

Overall, not bad— though the cask played a dominant role, the spirit shone through at times and did not totally disappear. I would not seek this out, but I would happily accept a dram if someone offered.