“This truly remarkable Single Cask bottling of Craigellachie is our contribution to a noble cause, part of a celebration of philanthropy and a nod to empowering positive change” – Ian Taylor, Global Brand Director of Bacardi’s Single Malts
This one-off exquisite Single Cask edition of Craigellachie 41 Year Old has been exclusively bottled to commemorate the Inaugural Distillers’ One of One Auction.
Built in 1891, the great brewing and distilling historian, Alfred Barnard described Craigellachie back then as ‘a style seldom met’, and the distillery has been old fashioned – in style and flavour – ever since.
The distillery sits firmly in the heart of Speyside, but this is not a typical ‘Speysider’. Its malt whisky is unapologetic and unique, robust and muscular with a fruity hint of pineapple.
Craigellachie 41 Year Old Single Cask #2036, boasts extraordinary distillery character. One of the oldest whiskies ever to be released from the distillery, this bottling has been handpicked by John Dewar & Son’s award-winning Malt Master Stephanie Macleod. It is a remarkable Single Malt and a stunning example of aged Craigellachie.
Distilled on 19th March 1980, and matured in a refill Hogshead, the finely aged whisky has the tang of sherbet limes which then mingles with orchard fruits and the distillery’s signature note of pineapple chunks. Perfectly balanced with soft, subtle cereals and suitably freshened off with a menthol zing.
This exceptional Single Malt is suitably encased in a beautiful and sophisticated bespoke Crystal Carafe, handmade in France by one of the most prestigious crystal glass makers in the world. La Cristallerie Royale de Saint-Louis was founded in 1586 and is the oldest crystal maker in the whole of Europe. The Craigellachie decanter is crafted entirely by hand, taking an incredible three weeks and the combined skills of fifteen Saint-Louis master crystal makers to forge just one decanter. Making this an extravagant whisky piece and a true work of art.
Craigellachie Distillery
Built on the Rock in the Heart of Speyside, Craigellachie distillery was designed by Charles Doig, a famous distillery architect of the time. When visiting in the 1890s, Alfred Barnard – the original whisky writer – described Craigellachie whisky as ‘Old Fashioned’, which has remained true to today.
Founded by two whisky icons; innovative gentlemen with distilling backgrounds: Alexander Edward and Peter Mackie built the distillery on land they bought from Edward’s father in 1891. At the time the distillery was said to bring together the old and the new – a new way of thinking about whisky using time honoured techniques.
Craigellachie still uses its old-fashioned worm tubs to create a more muscular flavour. Only 16 distilleries in Scotland (out of currently 126) use worm tub condensers, a traditional way of transferring vapor back into liquid form post distillation. Worm tub condensers give less copper contact, helping create more muscular character. Craigellachie does things the more traditional way because it’s right for the distillery.
Reliance on traditional methods allows Craigellachie Single Malt Scotch to retain a rare sulphured character which sits in contrast alongside classic Speyside fruits. An award-winning Single Malt, Craigellachie won ‘Best Whisky’ at the 2015 San Francisco World Spirits Competition for its 23 year old, and in 2017 it surpassed other industry greats by receiving ‘World’s Best Single Malt’ at the World Whisky Awards for the 31 year old.
One of the most famous names in Scotch whisky, John Dewar & Sons was established in Perth, Scotland by John Dewar, who was born in 1805. At the age of 23 he joined his relative Alex MacDonald at his Perth wine merchant establishment, subsequently becoming a partner, before setting up in his own right in 1846. Whisky was at the core of his business, and in the hands of John’s sons Alexander and Tommy, Dewar’s blended Scotch became a worldwide success.
Today, John Dewar & Sons Limited are distillers and distributors of fine blended Scotch whisky. John Dewar & Sons are ranked as the world's third-largest blended Scotch whisky company, with a range that includes Dewar's White Label, William Lawson's Finest Blend, as well as five single malt whiskies from the Aberfeldy, Aultmore, Craigellachie, Macduff and Royal Brackla distilleries, with Aberfeldy offering public access via its popular interactive visitor centre, shop and café, Dewar’s World of Whisky.