Craigellachie 15 yo (2011), Signatory – 100 Proof Edition #81 (PX finish), 57.1%

Introduction

Craigellachie Distillery, situated in the heart of Speyside at the confluence of the rivers Fiddich and Spey, is renowned for its uncompromising and characterful style, featuring a distinctly sulphuric and fruity profile that sets it apart from many of its neighbours. This particular bottling has been crafted by the respected independent bottler Signatory Vintage as part of their exclusive 100 Proof Edition – a series dedicated to whiskies bottled at precisely 57.1% ABV, corresponding to the historical “100 proof”.

Production Method

• Raw materials: High-quality malted barley from the Speyside region of north-east Scotland, processed using Craigellachie’s characteristic worm tub condensers, which contribute to the distillate’s heavy and complex character.
• Distillation process: Craigellachie employs traditional copper pot stills combined with rare worm tubs for condensation – an old-fashioned technique that ensures minimal copper contact, thereby preserving the heavy, sulphuric and fruity compounds within the spirit.
• Maturation: The whisky has spent the primary portion of its maturation in ex-bourbon casks, imparting notes of vanilla, honey and light fruit, before being finished in 1st fill Pedro Ximénez Sherry Butts, which add rich layers of dried fruit, dark chocolate and sweet sherry notes.
• Special techniques: The PX finish in 1st fill casks – that is, casks that have held Pedro Ximénez sherry for the first time – ensures an intense and direct influence on the flavour, harmonising beautifully with Craigellachie’s already robust and fruity character. Bottled as a single cask expression without chill-filtration to preserve full texture and complexity.

Tasting Notes

• Nose: Rich and inviting, with dark fruits such as raisins, figs and prunes from the PX finish, underpinned by vanilla and gentle caramel from the bourbon cask. Characteristic sulphuric and meaty notes typical of Craigellachie, along with hints of orange peel and dark chocolate.
• Palate: Full-bodied and robust at 57.1%, with a warm, oily texture. Dark fruit, dried dates and sultanas take centre stage, while nuts, leather nuances and a subtle smoky undercurrent from the distillery’s characteristic profile shine through. Hints of dark muscovado sugar and warm spice.
• Finish: Long and warming, with lingering notes of dried fruit, dark chocolate and a light tannic dryness from the sherry cask. A subtle sulphuric finish, a signature of Craigellachie, elegantly ties everything together.

Serving Recommendations

• Serving temperature: Room temperature, approximately 18–20°C, to highlight the full aromatic palette.
• Glass recommendation: A tulip-shaped nosing glass or a Glencairn glass, which concentrates the aromas and allows for a nuanced appreciation of the complex layers.
• Serving suggestions: Best enjoyed neat with a single drop of cold spring water, which opens up the complex PX notes and softens the alcoholic intensity of the 57.1%. Alternatively, serve over ice for a slower, evolving tasting experience.
• Food pairings: Dark chocolate with a high cocoa content (70%+), blue cheeses such as Roquefort or Stilton, bold cheeses with a spiced profile, as well as caramelised nuts and dried fruit. An excellent companion to a dessert board featuring fig cake or date pudding.

Product Specifications

• Alcohol content: 57.1% ABV
• Bottle size: 70 cl
• Country/region of origin: Scotland, Speyside – Craigellachie Distillery
• Certifications/Awards: Bottled by Signatory Vintage as part of the acclaimed 100 Proof Edition, a series that consistently receives recognition from international whisky experts and judges for its authenticity and quality.

Summary

A unique tasting experience

Craigellachie 15 yo from Signatory Vintage’s 100 Proof Edition represents a rare meeting between Speyside’s most uncompromising distillery style and the lavish sweetness of 1st fill Pedro Ximénez Sherry Butts – a combination that elevates the whisky to a level of complexity that is difficult to find elsewhere.

As a single cask bottling, the number of bottles is strictly limited, and once cask #81 has been exhausted, this unique tasting experience can never be identically recreated.

Signatory Vintage is one of Scotland’s most respected independent bottlers, with decades of experience in selecting exceptional casks – a craft and expertise that guarantees only the finest bottlings bear their name.

Recognition from connoisseurs

In recent years, Craigellachie has been rediscovered by whisky enthusiasts around the world who appreciate the distillery’s unwavering commitment to traditional worm tub distillation and the characterful, sulphuric profile that defines a truly artisanal whisky.

Choosing a bottle from Signatory’s 100 Proof Edition is a conscious decision to prioritise flavour and authenticity over compromise – a choice that reflects a mature and knowledgeable approach to the world of whisky.

This bottling has been celebrated by whisky bloggers, industry professionals and judges alike, who highlight the rare balance between Craigellachie’s robust distillate character and the generous, fruity richness of the PX finish.

From Craigellachie and Signatory Vintage to you

Behind this bottle lie generations of Scottish distilling artistry from Craigellachie Distillery, combined with Signatory Vintage’s passion for bringing the most remarkable single casks directly to the whisky enthusiast’s glass – without compromise and without chill-filtration.

There is something truly special about a whisky crafted with this degree of care and artisanal pride – it is a dram that invites you to slow down, savour the moment and discover new nuances with every single sip.

Join the many whisky connoisseurs who have already experienced the unique expression of cask #81, and let Craigellachie 15 yo become your next great whisky discovery – an experience you won’t regret.