Craigellachie 12 Year (SMWS 44.133 "The Dram of the Falling Leaves")

 

I loved the previous Scotch Malt Whisky Society bottling of Craigellachie so much, I bought the next one they released as well. This one is aged 12 years in ex-bourbon, bottled at 57% ABV, craft presentation, and named "The Dram of the Falling Leaves." Let's see how it stacks up against the previous bottle I tried, "The Pink Lady Makes Pastry." 

Nose: Apples, apple cider, apple cores, brown sugar, moss, forest floor. There are other fruits present here, but less distinct: plum? Grape skins? Definitely some pear. With a few drops of water and time in the glass, a nice floral dimension opens up - especially lavender, like you find in Bowmore, paired with fresh grass. 

Mouthfeel: Rich, oily. 

Palate: Classic Craigellachie - opens with a rich apple pie and vanilla bean custard, closes with a distinct vegetal sulfur note. The two are nicely balanced and result in a rich flavor. The other flavors show up here as well, but less powerful - the main rush is apple and sulfur. I did get hints of bubblegum, geraniums. With water, that lovely fresh grass note gets much more prominent, taking over the development much earlier, even to the point of cutting into the apple-and-vanilla notes a bit. 

Finish: Soft oak, fruit, perhaps even some very light smoke. 

Verdict: Another delicious independent bottling of Craigellachie from the SMWS. Reminds me closely of the official bottling, but at cask strength and a little more complex with the floral notes and the fresh-cut grass element. Worth your time if you happen across it.