23/01/11 Craigellachie SMWS 44.40
A 9-yo single-cask from Craigellachie. Sherry finished, bottled at 58.5%.
Official tasting notes:
“The rich nose has brandy snaps, honeycomb fudge, banana toffee and chocolate boxes. It becomes fruitier with water (rhubarb, apple, dried fruits) but also suggests spiced moroccan food. The palate is bombarded by Demerara, Madeira wine, toffee and orange oil.”
Brandy snaps? Yes.
Honeycomb? Yes.
Fudge? Yes.
Banana? Hmmm, not sure.
Toffee? Oh yes.
Chocolate boxes? Hmmm, no.
Rhubarb? No!
Apple? Mmmm, maybe more like spiced pears…
Dried fruits? Definitely, sultanas, raisins, apricots.
Moroccan food? Well, spices and dried fruits so maybe.
Demerara? Certainly.
Madeira? Nope.
Toffee? Again, yes.
Orange oil? Nah.
An interesting dram, like most single-casks it really benefits from tasting with water. Lovely stuff.
Probably a 3/5.
Remember, that’s not much of a criticism!
3/5: An enjoyable dram, close to being really good. Maybe one or two little things that stop greatness.
