Craigellachie 13 Year Bas Armagnac Single Malt Scotch

Classification: Single Malt
Distillery: Craigellachie
Region/Island: Speyside
Mashbill: 100% Malted Barley
Age: 13 Years -Matured in ex-Bourbon and ex-Sherry casks, then finished in Bas-Armagnac casks for over a year.
Proof: 92

The Craigellachie 13… or, in this case, its slightly more grown-up cousin. On the nose, you get the usual suspects — ripe apple, pineapple candy, and that wee bit of funk that makes you wonder if you’ve just wandered into a wet wool factory. A touch more cinnamon and stewed orange gives it a sort of festive, “aye, I’ve been working the Highlands all day” vibe.

The palate, though, is a different beast. Rich and bold, with malt notes like plain tea and oatmeal biscuits holding court — basically, the whisky version of your gran insisting you eat something wholesome before dessert. Then the citrus hits, orange-y and bright, but paired with enough cinnamon, ginger, and white pepper to make you sit up and notice. It’s like a ceilidh in your mouth — a bit spicy, a bit proper, and very Scottish.

The finish hangs around medium-long, lingering with malt, citrus, and spice — just enough to remind you it’s still a whisky, not a fruit juice. Would I buy another bottle? Aye, without a second thought. This dram’s got the charm of a Scottish pub: warm, a little rough around the edges, but utterly delightful.