Craigellachie 23 yo 1989 / 2014 SMWS 44.59 ‘Lime marinated grilled chicken’ 51.4% vs Teaninich 21 yo 1999 / 2021 Maltbarn 48.8%
Craigellachie 23 yo 1989 / 2014 SMWS 44.59 ‘Lime marinated grilled chicken’ 51.4%
Craigellachie is, to me, in the same weight category as Ben Nevis and Mortlach, but consequentially I do also believe it similarly needs time to reach its potential. Young Craigellachie can be rather harsh. 23 years have done this one well and the whisky immediately opens with honey and cream, thick and full. The full brawny weight of malt, redolent of vegetable oils and baked things, is on display. There is a aromatic edge akin to fennel and savory licorice but also a savory charred edge, like a cream sauce browning at the edges. Hints of soot and sear are unavoidable and quite natural here. There is warm wax, snuffed wicks, bitter gentian and milky sap on the finish. SMWS named this bottle well I think. 90 pts
Teaninich 21 yo 1999 / 2021 Maltbarn 48.8%
Lights up the glass with lemon and lime zest overtones, ripe pears, some warm brioche, without much in the way of dusty cereal but with a good dose of clean chalk. Clean as a whistle and a crystal clear thin malt underlines the whole. Some heat in the shape of pepper on the tongue, rucola gives an aromatic green bite. Somewhat high toned, never heavy, absent oak and for all these reasons, a great easy drinker. Reminiscent of late period Rosebank, or an overpowered fruity off dry white wine. 88 pts
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