A bottle that’s been in my collection for quite some time, it’s high time I gave it the attention it deserves. Today, I’m taking a closer look at the Craigellachie 19 year old single malt Scotch whisky. It is known as a dram that bridges old-school Speyside character with modern refinement.
Craigellachie isn’t new to Whisky of the Week. I’ve previously reviewed both their 13 year old and the 51 year old(the oldest whisky I’ve ever tasted). Each release has demonstrated that this distillery knows how to craft bold, muscular Speyside whisky with plenty of character.
A Bit of Background
Craigellachie is one of several distilleries under the Bacardi umbrella, alongside Aberfeldy, Aultmore, Royal Brackla, and The Deveron. The distillery sits in the heart of Speyside, perched above the meeting point of the Rivers Fiddich and Spey.
The Gaelic name “Craigellachie” translates to rocky hill, a fitting description of the rugged landscape surrounding it.
The village of Craigellachie once played a key role in Scotland’s whisky distribution network. It was a major railway hub linking Dufftown, Keith, Lossiemouth, and the Strathspey line, making it easy to transport whisky to Glasgow, Edinburgh, and Perth.
The distillery itself dates back to 1891, when Sir Peter Mackie (of White Horse whisky fame) and Alexander Edward joined forces to build a new distillery designed by Charles Doig. For decades, Craigellachie contributed significantly to White Horse blended whisky, giving it that signature waxy depth.
Ownership changed hands a few times, and by 1998, it was acquired by John Dewar & Sons. However, after a ruling by the Monopolies Board, Craigellachie was sold off—and Bacardi swooped in.
Today, the Craigellachie core range features expressions aged 13, 17, and 23 years. The Craigellachie 19 year old was once part of the standard lineup but has since been discontinued, now appearing only in travel retail or as part of the Exceptional Cask Collection. That makes it a bit of a collector’s prize for whisky enthusiasts who appreciate robust, character-driven single malts.
This 19 year old expression was matured in a mix of first-fill sherry casks and first-fill bourbon casks, creating a rich balance of sweetness, spice, and oak complexity.
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Craigellachie 19 Year Old Whisky Review
ABV: 46%
REGION: Speyside
COLOUR: Mid-golden amber
NOSE: Bursting with tropical fruit, freshly baked sugar cookies, and roasted nuts. There’s an earthy, damp wood note, along with hints of candied ginger, lemon zest, and warm baked apples topped with vanilla custard. It’s both complex and inviting.
PALATE: Full-bodied and oily, with a creamy mouthfeel that coats the palate beautifully. The tropical fruit sweetness from the nose carries through, mingling with malt and vanilla fudge. Notes of ginger, cinnamon, and pepper add warmth without overpowering the sweetness. A subtle waxiness, typical of Craigellachie, lends texture and depth, while toasted oak and pecan complete the flavour.
FINISH: Long, warming, and evolving. It starts sweet and biscuity before unfolding into notes of oak, spice, honey, and dried tropical fruit. A faint meaty note lingers at the end, adding a savoury twist that keeps you coming back for another sip.
RATING: EXCELLENT
The Craigellachie 19 year old is a beautifully balanced dram that showcases everything great about the distillery: rich, waxy texture, bold flavours, and an unmistakably traditional character. The 19 year old is my favourite Craigellachie I have tasted so far. It’s not flashy or overly polished; instead, it’s confident, flavour-packed, and rewarding for those who take the time to explore it.
If you spot a bottle, grab it. With its limited availability and discontinued status, it’s becoming increasingly difficult to find. It’s a dram that proves patience pays off, and one that will remind you why Craigellachie has such a loyal following among those who like their whisky bold and unapologetically Speyside.
I have spotted a last few bottles on Amazon. Expensive, but worth it.
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