Craigellachie 13 Year Old stands out from other Speyside whiskies due to its "meaty" and full-bodied character, a result of its unique production process that minimizes copper contact during distillation and utilizes traditional worm tub condensers. This gives it a robust flavor with a hint of pineapple and a touch of sulphur, a trait some describe as "Old-Fashioned". It was first released in 2014 as part of the distillery's core range, aiming to highlight its unique flavor profile, often described as a departure from the typical Speyside style.

Aromas of apples, honey, and hay, along with burnt popcorn and treacle tart notes. Some may also detect a subtle hint of smoke or gunpowder. There's a subtle sulphuric note, sometimes described as like cordite or spent matches, coming from the distillery's traditional production methods. Bold and full-bodied, with oily malt, BBQ pineapple, summer berries, pine nuts, and almonds. Some may find notes of treacle, toffee, dark chocolate, and a slight bitterness or a hint of a freshly washed wool jumper. Long and warming finish with lingering notes of caramel, grilled pineapple, and a subtle hint of smoke.

The bold flavors of Craigellachie 13 can complement dishes like roasted meats, strong cheeses, dark chocolate desserts, or spiced fruit cake. The hint of smoke and meatiness also makes it suitable for dishes with similar characteristics, like BBQ pineapple.

About the Producer

The Craigellachie distillery, situated in the Speyside region of Scotland, was founded in 1891 by Victorian entrepreneur Alexander Edward and is now owned by Bacardi. The distillery is renowned for its distinctive and robust single malt whisky, known for its unique character derived from traditional production methods. The use of oil-fired malt kilns and traditional worm tub condensers contribute to a spirit with a thicker mouthfeel and a "meaty" character that deviates from typical Speyside whiskies. Craigellachie is part of the John Dewar & Sons portfolio, and while most of its production has traditionally gone into blends, the distillery has recently started releasing its single malt whiskies, including the 13 Year Old, 17 Year Old, and 23 Year Old expressions. The 13 Year Old has garnered awards, including a Double Gold Medal at the San Francisco Spirits Competition. The distillery's commitment to quality is evident in its practices of non-chill filtration, no caramel coloring, and bottling at 46% ABV.