Craigellachie 2013/2022 Càrn Mòr 8 years old Single Speyside Malt Whisky 47,5%

Strictly Limited is where Càrn Mòr puts the young casks. No age statement to hide behind, no heavy sherry coat — just the spirit and a European oak cask.

Expert description

Craigellachie 2013/2022 Càrn Mòr 8 years is a Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky matured in European oak and bottled at 47.5% without chill filtration and without added colouring.

The release gave 1,173 bottles and belongs to Càrn Mòr Strictly Limited from Morrison Scotch Whisky Distillers, run by brothers Brian and Jamie Morrison. The range consists of small cask marriages bottled at a fixed strength, and past releases have included Ardmore, Bunnahabhain, Mortlach and Caol Ila. European oak gives more spice and tannin than American, and on Craigellachie's meaty spirit the result is distinctly spiced.

Tasting notes

Nose

Caramel and baked fruit first, then cinnamon, dried herbs and a trace of smoke from the distillation.

Palate

Full and spiced. Caramel, malt and dark fruit, with tannin from the European oak and the mineral edge from the worm tubs. The texture is oily despite the young age.

Finish

Medium and dry, with spice, oak and a lightly smoked warmth at the end.

Specifications

Name: Craigellachie 2013/2022 Carn Mor 8 years Single Speyside Malt Whisky 47,5%
Distillery: Craigellachie
Bottler: Càrn Mòr
Region/Country: Speyside Scotland
Type: Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Age: 8 years
ABV: 47.5%
Size: 70 CL
Cask type: European oak
Non-chill filtered: Yes
Natural colour: Yes
Distilled: 2013
Bottled: 2022
Number of bottles: 1,173
Edition: Càrn Mòr Strictly Limited
EAN no.: 5060109229035

Flavour profile

Spiced · Caramel · Malty · Mineral · Lightly Smoked

Did you know?

European oak and American oak behave completely differently. European carries more tannin and gives spice and dryness, while American gives vanilla and coconut. The choice of wood often matters more to the flavour than the number of years in cask.

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Frequently asked questions about Craigellachie 2013/2022 Càrn Mòr 8 years

What is Strictly Limited?

Càrn Mòr's range of younger bottlings, where a small number of casks are married and bottled at 47.5%. Each release is limited, and once sold it never returns.

Is eight years young?

Yes, but Craigellachie can carry it. The distillery's heavy, meaty style has body from the start, and an active European oak cask delivers spice faster than American wood would.

What does European oak do?

It gives more tannin, spice and dryness than American oak, which instead gives vanilla and coconut. On a young spirit the difference is very obvious.

How many bottles exist?

This release ran to 1,173 bottles. Càrn Mòr never remakes its releases, so once they are gone they are gone.

What do non-chill filtered and natural colour mean?

That the whisky has neither been filtered to prevent haze nor coloured with caramel. The texture is fuller, and the colour is exactly what the cask gave.

Who is behind Càrn Mòr?

Morrison Scotch Whisky Distillers, owned by brothers Brian and Jamie Morrison. The house is an independent bottler and is also behind Old Perth.