Over to Speyside for a 14 year old Craigellachie that’s been matured in a 2nd fill ex-bourbon barrel.
Nose: Balsa wood, park benches, planed 2x4, PVA glue and a bundle of pencil shavings <sigh>. Orange peels and steeped fruit tea infusions sit with toasted bread and pecan pie. Water here transforms the dram considerably – lessening the woodworking lesson and introducing whipped cream, vanilla pods and chopped cashews.
Taste: Steeped black tea with orange slices, peels and juice are joined by sunflower oil and malty bread whilst shaved wood sits with buttercups and daisies. Water against renovates – apricot and peach yoghurt with a creamy body alongside a tang of coal dust.
Finish: Medium with fruit teas, wood chips and plenty of moisture sucking tannins.
I’m afraid I needed plenty of positive energy to wade through this woodfest Craigellachie – the addition of water greatly improved things, but au naturale this is exactly the woodworking hobby shed the outturn booklet describes. Pass.