Craigellachie 2000 12 year (The Exclusive Malts)

Made December 12, 2000. Put into bottles August 2013 at 55.8% ABV. Cask no. 149. 288 bottles made available. I really like Craigellachie distillery. It's robust, daring, and has a unique character similar to Springbank. This independent bottling is reminiscent of Springbank 12 CS. It offers rich honey, vibrant fruits, and a funky sherry essence. Both Craigellachie and Springbank produce spirits with a touch of sulfur, which can help mask any slight sulfur from less-than-ideal sherry casks that would otherwise spoil other whiskies. Even though the back of this bottle states “This cask is full of American Oak influence with creamy-vanilla and sweet oak,” I'm surprised by the amount of sherry I detect. It's pleasantly floral and packed with berries and raisins. And for the savory notes, there's honey and redcurrant jelly with braised beef stew. It's rich, and a bit pungent without water. This is a satisfying meal that's holding in a fart. My issue arises when you add water. This drink will then fart. Sulfur will essentially break everything. It's like matchsticks, to put it politely. Putrid flesh, if you want to be overly dramatic and harsh. There’s citrus on the finish, which is well-timed. I favor the original Craigellachie 13 bottling, which is easily found and less expensive. However, this was certainly a distinctive and memorable bottle. This was my first purchase from Creative Whisky Company, and I'll be seeking out more expressions if the distillery and the cost are agreeable. Score: * (unforgettably good) Bottle cost: $80-120 My perceived bottle value: $95