Code
44.145
Distillery
Craigellachie
Name
Pilgrimage To El Rocio
Region
Speyside
Age
13 years
ABV
57.7%
Bottler Type
Independent
Category
Scotch
The whisky presents an inviting bouquet of candied orange peel, dark cherries in syrup, and coffee biscuits, layered with vanilla custard and subtle notes of cured jamón, salt-grilled prawns, and barbecue smoke, finishing with a whisper of pipe tobacco.
It delivers a complex interplay of confectionery notes—candied peel, pistachio, vanilla, ginger, and dates—mingling with sherry influence, before settling into rich molasses, leather, and oak with a gentle Padrón pepper spice.
The finish is warm and satisfying, with lingering molasses and oak balanced by the subtle heat of pepper and tobacco smoke.
After 11 years in ex-bourbon wood, we transferred this into a first-fill American oak PX hogshead, thus marrying the spirit of Scotland to the Sabor of Andalusia. We might have been on a dusty pilgrimage to El Rocio; smells of candied orange peel, dark cherries in syrup, coffee biscuits and vanilla custard flans, all balanced with cured jamón, salt-grilled prawns and barbeque ribs – maybe some pipe tobacco after. The palate somehow evoked a Christmas kitchen – preparing sweet treats (peel, pistachio, vanilla, ginger, brown sugar, date slice) while enjoying a glass of sherry – then an arm-chair flop of molasses, leather, oak and Padrón peppers.