Craigellachie 2005 DeDr

Not exactly my style, but I can certainly see the appeal.

Waxy and mellow nose, with dates, figs, and dried bananas. Raspberry coulis blended with goat's milk, chives, dark chocolate, brown tobacco, and prunes. Beeswax, barbecue sauce, an old library, and a touch of sulfur. On the palate, walnut oil, a freshly extinguished pipe, molasses, a strawberry smoothie, a slice of raw meat, copper highlights, and intense spices. Long, powerful finish, fruit paste, herbal notes, basil pesto, and peppermint. Earthy caramel, raisins, and a sprig of rosemary. Damp earth. It's similar to Sherry Bomb, but very high-end, nuanced, with vegetal notes that enhance the fruit, and a warm depth. https://ilikesky2020.blogspot.com/2025/10/craigellachie-2005-decadent-drams-20-yo.html

The type of sherry that many may love, but I struggle with this mashup of sulfurous aromas.

Comparison of different price versions of Craigellachie distillery. OB 2014, 13yo, 46%, WB75692 An entry-level whisky aged in bourbon for the usual amount of time. All others surpass it. SV 100 Proof 2024 / #4, 16yo, 1st fill Oloroso butt (57.1%), WB259567, low cost (80 Eur), even "Exceptional Cask series". The designation exceptional casks indicates a longer maturation period of 15-17 years in the 100 proof series as opposed to 8-13 years in the base, however, this is mass production, not a limited edition. The heavy sticky sherry overwhelms the aroma and wins over the distillery DNA in taste. Still, a pleasant drink with a somewhat shorter finish of wine and slightly oaky character. Unbeatable for the price. OB 2014, 17yo, 46%, WB58004 Similar price tag (slightly higher) as the previous one, but "no-proof" alcohol and pure American oak aging. It will depend on personal style preferences, both provide a similar experience. Decadent Drams 2025, 20yo=16y refill Hogshead/4y 1st fill sherry hogs, 58.3%, WB281140 A double-layered, superbly balanced whisky that does not suppress the distillery's character thanks to the long maturation in bourbon and scented by additional sensitive maturation in sherry casks. The old school style is very pleasant to me, the high alcohol is wonderfully integrated. Nice work by a passionate independent bottler, which greatly surpasses the previous ones. Spyside festival 2025, 17yo, oloroso, 57.4%, Exceptional Cask Series, WB275427 A festival whisky that refers to the traditional old school style and is not afraid of full maturation for 17 years in oloroso sherry casks. Sensitive work kept the sherry influence to the limit, does not disturb the bitterness, dryness, tannins and shows another version of the distillery's work with barrels in pure sherry maturation (traditionally pure bourbon). IBs often combine both maturations, i.e. finish with sherry. Although limited edition, it is available on the secondary market and among the affordable ones, it wins in our test. Small batch 37yo bourbon, 46.5%, WB234095 Excellent whisky available only at the distillery as part of a special tasting. Pure bourbon aged long enough to absolute perfection. Unbeatable for me, it defines the high level, but the price tag on secondary markets oscillates around 3,000 Euros, so it is only available to truly passionate fans.

Tasting: January 2026 Sample by Simon / 10 cl. Adding water (approx. 48–50%) softens and makes the nose more pleasant. The aromas remain stable but become slightly less pronounced. The initial taste remains strong, the finish becomes somewhat rounder and the fruit flavors become more pronounced.

Dream fabric

I just don’t think Craigellachie is my thing… This is good whisky… but not my profile… had in tasting alongside the Westport and I’d take the Westport every day of the week without exception.