Craigellechie 13 Year Old

Craigellachie 13 Year Old is a Speyside single malt with a lot more weight than most whiskies from the region. Speyside is usually known for light, floral whisky. Craigellachie goes the other way, with a rich, meaty, slightly smoky spirit that has built up a loyal following among whisky drinkers who like something with real character. Thirteen years in oak rounds off the edges without taming the distillery’s bold style.<br> <br> The reason it tastes this way is the old-fashioned equipment. Craigellachie has been distilling above the village of the same name since 1891. It still cools its spirit in worm tubs: long copper coils sitting in vats of cold water outside the stillhouse. Because the vapour touches less copper on the way through, the new spirit comes off heavier, oilier and more savoury. Bottled at 46% with no chill filtration, the 13 Year Old keeps all of that texture, giving you a dram with real grip on the palate.<br> <br> Who it’s for: Whisky drinkers who find most Speyside malts too polite. It’s also a great bottle for anyone moving from sherried or peated whisky who wants something full-bodied without heavy smoke. And it makes a characterful gift for the malt lover who thinks they’ve tried it all.<br> <br> How to enjoy it: Try it neat first to get the full texture, then add a few drops of water. Water calms the savoury notes and brings out the orchard fruit and honey underneath. It also stands up well to food, especially cheese, charcuterie or a rich stew.