Craigellachie 2008 10 Year Clan Denny (Douglas McGibbon)

Reviewing an independent bottling of a 10-year-old Craigellachie single malt, made in 2008. This bottling is from Douglas Laing's "Clan Denny" collection. My excitement for Craigellachie malts grew immensely following a fantastic single cask bottling, an 11-year-old, which delivered an incredible umami flavor. This current bottle is quite unlike that prior experience but possesses some intriguing traits. I bought this bottle for $33 and have found pleasure in tasting and contemplating it. My detailed impressions and score follow: 🥃 CD Craigellachie 10 Year - 46% ABV Nose: Brown sugar. Alcohol vapor. Exotic fruit aroma. A hint of black pepper and other spices add a sharp quality. Later, a greasy peanut scent emerges, faintly evoking Talisker Storm. The residual aroma in the glass resembles a rich beef stew. Palate: Begins with a greasy peanut butter sensation, swiftly turning sweeter. Wood notes. Tart and warming alcohol. A coconut flavor, somewhat reminiscent of Oban Little Bay. Sweetness. It brings to mind an unripened, warm, alcoholic pineapple with added woody and greasy peanut elements. The mouthfeel is quite slick and coats the tongue. The finish is enduring, somewhat vivid and fiery, like Hot Tamales candy. This is a curious spirit with some enjoyable aspects, yet it's also somewhat unrefined. The aroma is pleasing but a bit harsh. The palate presents numerous flavors, though they don't align with my preferred style for a Craigellachie, and it feels somewhat hot. I was anticipating a savory, slick umami explosion but instead encountered an interesting greasy and tart-sweet malt. Fortunately, I embrace unexpected outcomes as part of the enjoyment of exploring new single malts, especially from independent bottlers. Enjoy! Score Range: 79-82/100

An old glass.