Craigellachie Exceptional Cask Series 23 Year Single Cask

Sherry Cask 4575 Aroma - Feels somewhat hot, with much happening, dried apricot, candied ginger, dried apple rings/orange/pineapple, fresh papaya, honey (with water) Reduces the heat, but otherwise mostly the same Taste - A bit hot, candied ginger, Hawaiian POG juice in a gummy form, dried pineapples, hint of dried persimmon "funk", very ripe papaya "funk", lightly fruity bitterness, orange zest (with water) Honey, dried tropical fruits, caramel, raisins, adds a bit of spicy milk chocolate Finish - Lingering heat, tropical fruits, persimmon/papaya "funk", unripe bananas (with water) Lingering warmth, tropical fruits, less "funk" Score - 91/100 Final Thoughts - This was somewhat unexpected for me as it was all over the place right after I poured it. After a brief rest, a multitude of dried & fresh tropical fruits emerged and added to the complexity on the nose. Felt a bit hot on the nose without water and it translated that way on the palate as well. This was a nice mix of fresh & dried tropical fruits with a bit of this fruity "funk" that I usually get from fresh papaya or dried persimmons, but I believe some people might perceive as sulfur. I'm not typically a huge fan of this, but it somehow works quite well here. This feels strangely tropical and a bit of water helps reduce the funk and enhance the fresh & dried tropical fruit vibes I get from this. Would I drink it if offered? - Yes Would I specifically order it? - Yes Would I buy a bottle? - Yes NOTE - All reviews are done without factoring in price.

This review is a bit premature, as it hasn't been open long, but it's close enough. Nose - There's a sulfur note present, and it faded significantly in just two days. I anticipate it will improve with time. It has sulfur, sherry, fresh raisins, brown sugar, and a kind of sour sugary sweetness. It's quite intriguing. Taste - It has a distinct character, a wonderfully funky, sour, and malty flavor with sherry sweetness, oak, and chocolate. There's more funk and a slight sulfurous note at the very end. The chewy chocolate and funky oak finish, with sherry and even that sulfur, is absolutely fantastic. This is a very funky and challenging spirit. While I enjoy certain whiskies, I generally prefer cleaner profiles. However, this one strongly appeals to my taste. I'm unsure if this is exceptional, as I find their standard offering just as good. This version, however, is richer, more intense, and significantly funkier. I rate this 90 out of 100, but I believe it could reach 92-93 with about a month more aging. I'll update my review later, and this is a potential candidate for a video review.

Whoa! At 57.5% alcohol by volume, this hit the throat hard. The sherry flavor was present but not overwhelming. However, a musty, funky character in this drink detracted from my enjoyment. Adding water to lessen the intensity made it more palatable, yet the funk persisted. This was a sample I was given, so I experienced it without paying over $400 for a bottle. Perhaps I'll get to taste the standard Craigellachie 23 someday.