2003 Craigellachie, AD Rattray 13 yo 58.9%

At the confluence of the Spey and Fiddich rivers, Craigellachie (and its neighbour Macallan) sit at the beating heart of Speyside. Like many distilleries, Craigellachie is a product of the 19th century whisky boom, but unlike many it survived the ensuing bust. Since then it has kept a relatively low profile, but produces a very fine spirit. This bottling has produced a whisky to be reckoned with, powerful, dense and saline, complex to begin with and even more giving when you add a dash of water. Old wood barrel aromas mingle with the fruit character. Delightful. (NT 08/08/16)