Craigellachie distillery

Introduction to Craigellachie

A distillery with a passion for craft

Craigellachie is a Speyside Scottish distillery that stands proudly at the heart of whisky country, situated at the confluence of the rivers Spey and Fiddich. Established in 1891, this historical distillery has earned a reputation for producing robust, characterful whiskies that challenge the typical perception of Speyside malts. With its distinctive sulfuric notes and meaty character, Craigellachie offers a bold departure from its neighbors.

This distillery continues to employ traditional production methods that honor its Victorian heritage while delivering whiskies that captivate modern palates. Located in the eponymous village of Craigellachie, the distillery is as much a landmark as it is a producer of exceptional spirits.

Why we have a soft spot for Craigellachie

At Vault of Spirits, we appreciate distilleries that dare to be different, and Craigellachie certainly fits that bill. While most Speyside distilleries emphasize delicate fruit and honey notes, Craigellachie boldly embraces its muscular, sulfuric character – a result of its traditional worm tub condensers and longer fermentation times.

We’re particularly drawn to Craigellachie’s commitment to maintaining traditional production methods in an age of modernization. Their steadfast adherence to using worm tubs – an older cooling method that produces a heavier, more complex spirit – demonstrates a reverence for whisky-making heritage that resonates with our own philosophy.

The History of Craigellachie

Origin and development

Craigellachie was founded in 1891 by Peter Mackie and Alexander Edward during the whisky boom of the late 19th century. The distillery was designed by the famed distillery architect Charles Doig, whose pagoda roof became an iconic feature of Scottish distilleries.

The distillery was built specifically to produce a heavy, robust malt for blending purposes – a role it fulfilled admirably for many decades as a core component in the famous White Horse blend. It wasn’t until 2014 that Craigellachie was widely released as a single malt in its own right, allowing whisky enthusiasts to finally appreciate this distinctive spirit in its purest form.

Through changes in ownership – from Distillers Company Limited to its current home in the Bacardi portfolio under John Dewar & Sons – Craigellachie has maintained its distinctive character and production methods.

The people behind the spirit

Today, Craigellachie is overseen by master blender Stephanie Macleod, whose expert palate guides the development of the distillery’s expressions. The production team maintains a deep commitment to traditional methods that define Craigellachie’s distinctive profile.

The team’s dedication to preserving the distillery’s heritage while carefully developing expressions that showcase its unique character has earned Craigellachie renewed recognition in recent years. Their work honors the vision of the founders while bringing this once-hidden gem to a new generation of whisky enthusiasts.

The Craft and Production

From raw materials to finished product

Craigellachie’s production begins with quality Scottish barley, which undergoes a relatively short malting process. What truly sets Craigellachie apart is its use of oil-fired burners to dry the malt, rather than the more common gas-fired systems, contributing to its distinctive flavor profile.

The distillation occurs in four stills – two wash stills and two spirit stills – with relatively short, broad necks that promote the production of a heavier spirit. But the true secret to Craigellachie’s character lies in its use of traditional worm tub condensers – large copper coils submerged in cold water that cool the spirit vapor back to liquid form.

These worm tubs provide less copper contact than modern condensers, allowing sulfuric compounds to remain in the spirit rather than being stripped out. This deliberate choice results in the distinctive meaty, slightly sulfuric notes that define Craigellachie whisky.

Maturation and aging

Craigellachie’s new make spirit is filled primarily into American oak ex-bourbon barrels, though some sherry cask maturation is also employed. The distillery’s dunnage warehouses provide the ideal cool, damp conditions for long, steady maturation that allows the robust spirit to mellow while retaining its essential character.

The standard aging for Craigellachie’s core range varies from 13 to 23 years, with special releases occasionally featuring even older expressions. This extended maturation period allows time for the initially powerful, sulfuric notes to integrate with the wood influence, creating a balanced yet characterful whisky.

Selected Products from Craigellachie

Craigellachie 13 Year Old – An introduction to the house style

This expression serves as the perfect entry point to Craigellachie’s distinctive character. At 46% ABV, it offers accessible yet unapologetic flavors of pineapple, toasted cereal, and that signature sulfuric note – often described as “meaty” or reminiscent of struck matches. The oily mouthfeel and tropical fruit notes balanced against a slight savory character make this a fascinating dram for those looking to explore beyond typical Speyside profiles.

Craigellachie 17 Year Old – An experience for connoisseurs

Moving up the range, the 17 Year Old expression represents a more mature and nuanced take on the Craigellachie character. The additional years in oak bring enhanced complexity, with deeper honey notes, rich vanilla, and hints of tropical fruit complementing the distillery’s signature sulfuric edge. With a silky texture and extraordinary depth, this expression rewards patient exploration and offers new discoveries with each tasting.

Visit the Distillery

Tours and tastings

While Craigellachie doesn’t regularly offer public tours of its production facilities, whisky enthusiasts can experience its character at The Craigellachie Hotel’s Quaich Bar, home to one of Scotland’s most impressive whisky collections. Located just a stone’s throw from the distillery, this renowned establishment offers the opportunity to sample various expressions of Craigellachie alongside other classic and rare malts.

For those planning a Speyside whisky tour, the village of Craigellachie serves as an excellent base, situated at the heart of Scotland’s most densely populated whisky region with numerous other distilleries within easy reach.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Craigellachie?

Craigellachie is a Speyside single malt Scotch whisky distillery known for producing a robust, full-bodied spirit with distinctive sulfuric notes. Unlike many of its Speyside neighbors that produce lighter, fruitier whiskies, Craigellachie embraces a more muscular style thanks to its traditional production methods, particularly its use of worm tub condensers.

Where is Craigellachie located?

The Craigellachie distillery is located in the village of Craigellachie in Speyside, Scotland, at the confluence of the rivers Spey and Fiddich. This strategic location puts it at the heart of Scotland’s most famous whisky-producing region, with the village itself serving as a crossroads for whisky tourism in the area.

What characterizes Craigellachie whisky?

Craigellachie is particularly known for its robust, sulfuric character – often described as meaty or having notes of struck matches – which comes from its use of traditional worm tub condensers. This is balanced by tropical fruit notes, a rich mouthfeel, and a subtle underlying sweetness. The distillery’s whiskies challenge the typical Speyside profile by offering more weight and power while maintaining exceptional balance.

Where can I buy whisky from Craigellachie?

You can find selected expressions from Craigellachie at Vault of Spirits. We carefully select the best offerings from this distinctive distillery, including their core range and occasional special releases. Our curated selection ensures you’ll experience the true character of this fascinating Speyside maverick.