I suppose you can count the 1970s Craigellachie you’ve tried on one hand. This one is particularly rare, it was quite difficult to find information. I do know it was matured in a first-fill manzanilla cask and it was nicknamed “Damsons and toffee”.
Craigellachie 20 yo 1975
(55,4%, SMWS 1994, 44.5)
Craigellachie 20 yo 1975Nose: the typical Craigellachie fruitiness that’s always a bit restrained. Kumquat, apricot and pear. Slightly capped by yeasty notes and something of triple beer. Vanilla cream and nicely warm oak underneath. Also herbal and floral notes: dill, mint, maybe daffodils or chamomile. Grows warmer over time, with some nice hints of pineapple and coconut coming out.
Mouth: nice, again quite fruity (plums, apricot, lemon). More herbal / spicy notes now, growing towards ginger and pepper. Quite punchy, even a little wasabi kick and hints of salt when the fruits have faded.
Finish: long, gingery, slightly resinous.
A nice combination of a fruity spirit and manzanilla notes. Very convincing and entertaining whisky. Really hard to come by.
Score: 88/100