Tasting notes for a sherried Craigellachie by Signatory

Signatory is an independent bottler that has been around for ages, but I have a feeling that this year has really put them back firmly in the middle of independent bottling universe. The 100 proof series that we have tasted extensively on this blog are generally very good, with some real gems in there. On a different, more accessible level, the Small Batch series offers good alternatives to sometimes unavailable single malt whiskies, either because they are rare or priced out of reach. Today we have an expression in latter series on the table. This sample tagged along as a free gift when I purchased a bottle of whisky at Dramtime.

Craigellachie 2012, 11 years old, bottled at 48,2 % by Signatory Vintage

Makeup: Distilled in 2012 and matured for 11 years in oloroso sherry casks, this is a small batch bottling in a Signatory series of the same name, this being Small Batch Edition #5.

General impressions: Again, Signatory shows off their incredible high quality sherry casks, because this Craigellachie opens on beautifully focused characteristics. Some red fruit, raisins, nuttiness, but for once I also find a little dirty note in the background, hinting towards a slight sulphury aroma. Having now tasted a few of these small batch expressions by Signatory, I started to think they all feel a bit too much alike. This Craigellachie breaks the rhythm by offering something more outlandish.

The taste continues on the same path. Much nuttier than red fruity, and certainly some very dark chocolate notes. There is a rough edge, leaning towards tobacco leaves and cold coffee, which is less pleasing to me. The often dry and malty character of Craigellachie has some trouble shining through, but it is there. The finish is smooth and undemanding, which is something of a weak point to this overall fine single malt.

Conclusion: Not as commercially crowd-pleasing as some of the other batches, but also not without some flaws. Interesting whisky though.

Score: 81 points

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