Craigellachie 31 YO

Craigellachie 31 YO, 52.2 %

Time for something special today. The Craigellachie 31 YO was released late 2015 or early 2016. It won World Best Single Malt at the World Whiskies Awards 2017, and I had not tasted it before now! Shock, horror!

This whisky has been matured in a mix of 1st fill and refill casks. That's about all I know really.

If you are so inclined you can still pick up a bottle online here and there, at around GBP 2000. This is a fair bit higher than the official price at release.

Nose: Autumn forest with wet leaves, ripe apples, and citrus flavored marshmallows. A touch salty, and with time I pick up traces of nuts. It comes across as very delicate and refined.

Taste: Very rich and full-bodied. The palate perfectly matches the nose. We have the same, almost meaty fruitiness, mixed with a solid earthiness of damp forest. Marzipan and vanilla.

Finish: Very long finish. The sweetness is more refined now; milder sugary notes and vanilla. Honey of the floral persuasion as well as spiciness with ginger, cinnamon and nutmeg. Very, very rich all the way. It really coats the entire inside of my mouth, and seemingly grabs hold and won't let go! I am perfectly fine with that..

Comments: A masterpiece! By far the best Craigellachie I have ever tasted.

Score (93/100)

Image from The Whisky Exchange.

Sláinte! - Thomas