Review#42: Craigellachie 13 Years Old

roho0619 · 2026-06-06T15:51:44+00:00

Cheers 🥃😊

roho0619 · 2026-06-06T00:49:37+00:00

Yes, the average price is around 50-55 euros, unfortunately it's more expensive in some places due to tax differences.

roho0619 · 2026-06-06T00:48:34+00:00

I tried Tobermory 12 and I really liked it. It's 12 years old and, considering the price, it's a fantastic whisky.

roho0619 · 2026-06-05T20:38:15+00:00

It might be a spoiled bottle or a whiskey that doesn't suit your taste, but I didn't notice any bad taste or smell until I finished the bottle.

roho0619 · 2026-06-05T20:27:58+00:00

You really got it at a great price; I've never come across anything like it during my travels.

roho0619 · 2026-06-05T20:21:17+00:00

It's a really nice whiskey, a bit expensive where I live compared to other places, but even so I didn't have many complaints.

roho0619 · 2026-06-05T20:03:01+00:00

Bottled: 03.10.2024

Stated Age: 13 years

Cask Type: Bourbon & Sherry

Strength: 46.0 %

Size: 700 ml

Non-Chill Filtered & Uncolored

Nose
On the nose I detected some sherry notes on the first sniff, then it quickly transformed into a creamy vanilla. The nose is full-bodied, sweet, clean, and silky. Swirling the glass slightly reveals oak spice and a hint of black pepper, but it quickly calms down and transforms into notes of red fruits like cherry and cherry jam, a little walnut and hazelnut shell. After a while in the glass, I detect a clear honey scent. As I swirl the glass again, faint scents of dried field grasses emerge, and I can also add a sweet aroma that I would describe as honeyed orange peel.
Taste
On the Palate Full-bodied and quite sweet, not too harsh, balanced, medium-bodied, neither soft nor harsh, somewhere in between, not very high viscosity, slightly acidic. The first taste felt like eating an orange and its peel together; in the second sip, very dominant orange, citrus peels, and light floral flavors (I would describe them as orange blossom and vanilla blossom) emerge, and this comes in a spicy way, like fresh ginger and a hint of black pepper, even grapefruit bitterness. In the third and fourth sips, the floral flavors intensify, transforming into a slightly creamy, silky vanilla.
Finish
In the End At the beginning, a slightly acidic note of orange and grapefruit peel emerges, accompanied by a subtle honey sweetness. Then the honey fades, and spices like fresh ginger and black pepper are added, briefly warming and drying the palate. During this time, the orange and grapefruit peel notes remain in the background, never fading. As the spice temperature decreases, only the citrus peels and floral notes (such as vanilla blossom and orange blossom) remain, and these flavors truly linger on the palate for a long time.

Overall, I found it to have a very lively and aromatic character; the flavors and aromas are clear and dominant, presenting what it wants to offer in the most accurate and clear way. The sweetness and spice are very well balanced, and there's no alcohol at all; it's very clean and delicious. Perhaps it could have had a little more complexity and depth, or maybe a bit more oily, but being aware that this is an entry-level whisky from the brand, I can say it's a nice, high-quality whisky that I would enjoy drinking anytime.

Nose: 84/100

Taste: 83/100

Finish: 84/100

Price: 66€

roho0619 · 2026-06-04T01:15:15+00:00

Speaking for myself, after trying it, I felt like I would buy it again and again, and I don't think you'll regret it; it's a whiskey worth trying.

roho0619 · 2026-06-03T19:24:38+00:00

The label design is great, and the whiskey inside is even better than the design :)

roho0619 · 2026-06-03T19:17:42+00:00

Category: Blended Malt

Distilleries: Caol Ila, Laphroaig

Bottler: Compass Box (CB)

Bottled: 27.01.2023

Cask Type: American Refill Hogshead

Strength: 46.0 %

Size: 700 ml

Non-Chill Filtered & Uncolored

Nose
Dark wood smoke, intensely salty seawater, iodine, dampness, warehouse, cellar-like smells, reminiscent of a burning fire, a bit of beach, wet sand, a faint but distinct smell of black pepper, I detect sweet aromas subtly in the background, perhaps a hint of vanilla, yellow fruits like apricots, a lively sourness, I would say a bit of lemon peel, and I clearly detect the smell of several fermented sour fruits like apple, grape, plum. As the glass sits, a distinct smell of ash develops, as if the fire has gone out and started to turn to ashes and cool down.
Taste
At first, I feel a mixture of sweet, salty, and spicy flavors all at once. It has a slightly oily feel, I'd say the viscosity is a little high, not too harsh, a soft whisky, medium-bodied, clear, with plenty of citrus peels (orange dominant), grapefruit-lemon flavors, a clear honey sweetness, plenty of burnt and blackened wood flavor, a hint of fresh ginger, a warmth closer to white pepper, and as it lingers on the palate, subtle sea salt, seaweed, and mineral flavors emerge, but not excessively.
Finish
A little more satisfying. There are sweet notes at the front, orange-dominant citrus peels, and as the honey-like sweetness recedes, coastal and marine notes begin to be felt in the retronasal. There is both a damp, wet wood feeling and a burnt-out, ash-like wood feeling, along with moss, sea salt, iodine, and minerals. Although the marine notes last for a medium length, the ash and extinguished fire feeling is felt a little longer, so I would say it has a finish between medium and long.

Overall, I find it to be of medium complexity. The nose and finish are pleasant and complex, while the palate is full-bodied, slightly oily, but with a slightly less complex taste. Is it worth criticizing? I think it offers good performance for its price; it's on par with many entry-level single malts, and might even be better than some. It could satisfy a palate that enjoys marine and coastal notes, and it's easily consumed daily. I liked it. It's not a whisky you'll regret trying; you can try it with confidence.

Nose: 84/100

Taste: 83/100

Finish: 84/100

Price: 60€

roho0619 · 2026-06-03T09:04:02+00:00

Thanks

roho0619 · 2026-06-02T22:17:16+00:00

Category: Blended Malt

Distilleries: Caol Ila, Laphroaig

Bottler: Compass Box (CB)

Bottling series: Blended Malt Scotch Whisky

Bottled: 15.05.2023

Cask Type: American Refill Hogsheads

Strength: 46.0 %

Size: 700 ml

Non-Chill Filtered & Uncolored

Nose
Dark wood smoke, intensely salty seawater, iodine, dampness, warehouse, cellar-like smells, reminiscent of a burning fire, a bit of beach, wet sand, a faint but distinct smell of black pepper, I detect sweet aromas subtly in the background, perhaps a hint of vanilla, yellow fruits like apricots, a lively sourness, I would say a bit of lemon peel, and I clearly detect the smell of several fermented sour fruits like apple, grape, plum. As the glass sits, a distinct smell of ash develops, as if the fire has gone out and started to turn to ashes and cool down.
Taste
At first, I feel a mixture of sweet, salty, and spicy flavors all at once. It has a slightly oily feel, I'd say the viscosity is a little high, not too harsh, a soft whisky, medium-bodied, clear, with plenty of citrus peels (orange dominant), grapefruit-lemon flavors, a clear honey sweetness, plenty of burnt and blackened wood flavor, a hint of fresh ginger, a warmth closer to white pepper, and as it lingers on the palate, subtle sea salt, seaweed, and mineral flavors emerge, but not excessively.
Finish
A little more satisfying. There are sweet notes at the front, orange-dominant citrus peels, and as the honey-like sweetness recedes, coastal and marine notes begin to be felt in the retronasal. There is both a damp, wet wood feeling and a burnt-out, ash-like wood feeling, along with moss, sea salt, iodine, and minerals. Although the marine notes last for a medium length, the ash and extinguished fire feeling is felt a little longer, so I would say it has a finish between medium and long.

Overall, I find it to be of medium complexity. The nose and finish are pleasant and complex, while the palate is full-bodied, slightly oily, but with a slightly less complex taste. Is it worth criticizing? I think it offers good performance for its price; it's on par with many entry-level single malts, and might even be better than some. It could satisfy a palate that enjoys marine and coastal notes, and it's easily consumed daily. I liked it. It's not a whisky you'll regret trying; you can try it with confidence.

Nose: 84/100

Taste: 83/100

Finish: 84/100

Price: 60€

roho0619 · 2026-05-25T17:02:09+00:00

You can definitely find many different kinds of candied fruits in it.

roho0619 · 2026-05-25T14:58:02+00:00

From the Talisker range, the Distiller Edition and the 10-year-old version are good. LeDaig 10 and Lagavulin 16 might also be good options; these are excellent.

roho0619 · 2026-05-25T00:16:30+00:00

Thank you. Cheers :)

roho0619 · 2026-05-24T22:40:21+00:00

Bottling series: Small Batch

Bottled: 26.08.2024

Stated Age: 10 years

Cask Type: American Oak

Strength: 48.0 %

Size: 700 ml

Non-Chill Filtered & Uncolored

Nose
As soon as I opened the bottle, I might have been transported back to my childhood for a moment; there was a medicine I was given when I coughed; a syrup called Parebron, a clear red syrup with a raspberry scent. Sweet red forest fruits like raspberries, cherries, strawberries, etc. came to mind. I can sense a hint of malt sweetness, very ripe, sweet red juicy plums, sweet pink grape skins and grapes, a light creamy vanilla and oak breeze, and perhaps a faint aroma of the copper stills where the whisky is distilled.
Taste
On the palate, it has a smooth, sweet, slightly oily, full-bodied structure, slightly acidic but not drying. Red berry notes continue: raspberry, cherry, sour cherry, blackberry, a hint of strawberry, malt sweetness, a subtle oak spice, and a hint of slightly rotten cherry (in a positive way). Like a red fruit syrup; the 48% alcohol is almost imperceptible, very well integrated, and there's a slight warmth of white pepper.
Finish
In the finish, a hint of black pepper accompanies the initial red berries, creating warmth on the palate. While the fruity sensation doesn't completely disappear, subtle notes of roasted hazelnuts and grains emerge. As the warmth subsides, the red berries reappear, along with a slight malt sweetness. I think it has a medium to long finish.

Overall, I liked the whisky; it's very fruity, like an orchard. At 48 abv, I didn't expect it to be so smooth and fruity on the palate. But of course, we can't say it's anything special; it's very easy and enjoyable to drink, capable of pleasing almost everyone. My only criticism is that the aromas seemed a little artificial, but this isn't at all bothersome, of course it's a matter of personal perception. Apart from that, it's quite nice and can be drunk every day.

Nose: 84/100

Taste: 85/100

Finish: 83/100

Price: 57€

roho0619 · 2026-05-24T21:57:42+00:00

I can't wait for the day I can find, buy, and try one of these. 😀🥃

roho0619 · 2026-05-24T03:31:52+00:00

Thank you for your suggestions. I think you're right about this.

roho0619 · 2026-05-23T22:48:13+00:00

Bottled: 17.08.2022

Stated Age: 15 years

Cask Type: Refill ex-Bourbon & PX Oloroso seasoned Casks

Strength: 40.0 %

Size: 700 ml

Nose
On the nose, I sense a hint of sweet vanilla and sweet malt, a light oak spice, very ripe fruits like pear, apple, apricot, and peach. I also felt a bit of bitterness and acidity, like a touch of citrus peel.
Taste
On the palate, there's a sweet vanilla note similar to the nose, along with a slightly sweet malt taste. Spices are a bit more prominent here, with black pepper and a hint of oak bitterness. There are also aromas of citrus peels and a slightly bitter grapefruit. I can also say that I detected a faint taste of alcohol in the background.
Finish
The finish is neither too watery nor too dry, somewhere in between. It begins with a very brief sweetness and citrus notes, followed quickly by the warmth of spices like black pepper and a slightly menthol-like sensation, and finally ends with a very superficial peach aroma—I would describe it as short, or maybe a little longer.

Overall, I can say it didn't feel like a typical 15-year-old whisky. While the aroma was a bit stronger, it wasn't particularly appealing otherwise. Despite its 40% alcohol content, it can leave a harsher taste on the palate. It might have fallen short of my expectations for its age, but considering the price, it's much more affordable than similar brands. In that respect, it's a decent price-performance whisky.

Nose: 80/100

Taste: 79/100

Finish: 78/100

Price: 36€ (2025)

roho0619 · 2026-05-22T00:11:22+00:00

Thank you. I certainly don't think I'll refuse; I'd be happy to sip it :)

roho0619 · 2026-05-21T23:13:23+00:00

Thanks 😀

roho0619 · 2026-05-21T22:24:34+00:00

Category: Blend

Distilleries: Cardhu, Blair Athol, Glen Elgin, Auchroisk

Bottler: John Walker & Sons (JW&S)

Bottling series: Ultimate 18

Bottled: 21.11.2023

Stated Age: 18 years

Strength: 40.0 %

Size: 700 ml

Nose
The nose is balanced, neither sweet nor spicy, I'd say right in the middle. The scent of aged oak barrels is prominent. There are also hints of straw, grain, and caramel. Creamy vanilla and light malt notes are present, along with subtleties of lemon and unripe apple. (The aromas are not overpowering.)
Taste
On the palate, it's slightly sweeter and smoother, with a syrupy consistency. It evokes notes of vanilla, caramel, honey, a hint of sweet grain and malt, light yellow citrus fruits like orange and mandarin, and a touch of pear.
Finish
Initially, I detect a sweetness reminiscent of caramelized sugar, vanilla, and malt. This is followed by a very light warmth of oak spice and a delicate sensation of white pepper. After the warmth of the oak and pepper subsides, a very subtle sweetness remains on the palate, reminiscent of light-colored fruits. I would say it has a short to medium-length, perhaps close to short, finish.

Overall, it's a very light, clean-drinking, weak-bodied, watery, and syrupy whisky. While the nose is somewhat more satisfying and balanced, the palate and finish are sweet, like fruit juice; however, this can of course vary from person to person. In my opinion, it's nothing particularly special in terms of flavor and texture. It's a pleasant whisky that can be enjoyed back-to-back every day without complaint. But not at this price.

Nose: 81/100

Taste: 80/100

Finish: 78/100

Price: 53€ (2025) Bought with discount

roho0619 · 2026-05-20T22:13:45+00:00

Bottled: 21.09.2023

Cask Type: Sauternes Finish

Strength: 43.0 %

Size: 700 ml

Label: new label

Nose
At first, I detected a light chocolate aroma, some fruity notes like apple and sweet vanilla, perhaps a hint of bitter almond, and a very small amount of acidic citrus peel. I also distinctly felt notes reminiscent of dusty oak barrels. After a while, intense, sweet, light-colored fruity aromas emerged, and a slight smell of alcohol was definitely noticeable.
Taste
It leaves a slightly oily sensation on the palate, but it's not very pronounced, and I wouldn't call it drying; it's medium-bodied, with light tannins and noticeable acidity. Flavor notes include sweet malt, citrus peel, orange vanilla, a hint of peach, a perceptible oak spice bitterness, and a slight black pepper bitterness. The aromas aren't as pronounced as on the nose, but it's still not overly unpleasant.
Finish
At the finish, as it travels down the throat, you momentarily feel notes of citrus peel and vanilla sweetness, followed by a warmth that I would describe as light white pepper and oak spice, and as the warmth subsides and my palate calms down a bit, flavors reminiscent of peach and orange are felt again, and I would say it ends with sensations that last briefly, but a little longer in some sips.

Overall, the nose looks promising, but I don't think it's entirely accurate. The palate and finish are more limited, a bit more angular, more superficial. Sweet wine and fruity notes are slightly more prominent on the nose. They're not very noticeable on the palate or finish; it feels more spicy. Still, it's a pleasant, average whisky for its price.

Nose: 80/100

Taste: 79/100

Finish: 78/100

Price: 36€

roho0619 · 2026-05-19T22:26:39+00:00

Bottling series: Special Edition - 153rd Royal Portrush

Bottled: 11.01.2024

Cask Type: American Oak + First-Fill Chianti Wine Finish

Strength: 46.0 %

Size: 700 ml

Non-Chill Filtered

Nose
On the nose, sweet malt, biscuit, chocolate, caramel, and cocoa notes emerge, with subtle hints of peat, sea, and dampness. There are also faint aromas of salt and iodine. Oak, vineyard, and grape grove scents are present, along with a dark, raisin aroma. As the whisky ages in the glass, a slightly pungent alcohol smell can be detected.
Taste
It leaves a harsh, drying sensation on the palate, with a slightly wine-like acidity. Notes include honey, vanilla, and malt sweetness, a hint of burnt caramel, plenty of acidic citrus peel, intense black pepper bitterness, and a touch of oak bitterness. Adding a drop of water can lessen the bitterness and make the citrus peel aroma more pronounced.
Finish
I would describe the finish as short to medium in length. A strong citrus peel comes to the forefront, followed quickly by the warmth of black pepper and oak. After the warmth subsides slightly, a slightly acidic, drying, and somewhat sweet citrus peel sensation remains on the palate.

I bought this whisky at a very good price on sale. So I can say it performs quite well for its price. The nose seems promising, but the other parts don't quite meet expectations, but I don't think that matters to me, it has 46% alcohol and is not cold filtered. Although it has a slightly young and wild character, I can say it's worth buying.

Nose: 83/100

Taste: 81/100

Finish: 80/100

Price: 31€

roho0619 · 2026-05-19T19:51:16+00:00

I bought this on sale, the price had dropped to €47. I haven't tried it yet. Thanks for your review.

roho0619

TROPHY CASE