Bottle Details
SMWS Code
44.160
Distillery
Craigellachie
ABV
58.3%
Age
19 Years
Cask
Ex-Bourbon Hogshead, 1st Fill Spanish Oak Oloroso Hogshead
Distilled
June 2003
Region
Speyside
Flavor Profile
Deep, Rich & Dried Fruits
Category
Scotch
The whisky presents aromas reminiscent of a Spanish charcuterie board, with cured ham, aged manchego cheese, and honey-roasted walnuts, alongside notes of fino and oloroso sherries. When reduced, it reveals a more complex bouquet of sultanas, burnt orange, ginger cake, pumpernickel, and rancio character, evoking the warmth of a sun-drenched bodega.
The palate delivers rich Andalusian flavors of prune-wrapped jamón, toasted oak, and fig syrup with deep PX sherry influence. It develops into layers of espresso and tiramisu, madeira cake, almonds, dates, and bitter chocolate, finishing with cured ham and fig jam.
The finish is characterized by persistent spice, bitter chocolate, and the lingering sweetness of dates and dried fruit with a sophisticated rancio undertone.
The nose treated us to lunch in Jerez – acorn-fed pata negra and matured manchego served on a big old oak board with honey-drizzled walnuts – accompanied by both fino and oloroso. The palate also provided immediate transportation to Andalucia – prunes wrapped in jamon, toasted oak, syrup of figs and lip-smacking PX depth. The reduced nose was like walking from sombra into sol – bodega courtyards, sultanas, burnt orange, ginger cake, pumpernickel and an aroma of rancio. What joy the palate gave us – espresso and tiramisu, madeira cake, almonds, dates, bitter chocolate and cured ham with fig jam – "me gusta mucho!"