Craigellachie 2008 8 YO Benchmark

Craigellachie 2008 8 YO Benchmark, 46 %

The Craigellachie 2008 8 YO Benchmark is an independent bottling from Murray McDavid. This limited release was initially matured in sherry butts, then transferred to two rum casks (cask # 6001855 & 600855) before being bottled in the summer of 2016. The total outturn was 713 bottles.

You can buy the Craigellachie 2008 8 YO Benchmark in Norway at NOK 835 (8111501) starting December 15, 2017.

Nose: Hmm.. the sulphur and burnt matchstick notes on the nose are quite obvious, at least to my sensitive nose. Not sure this is down to distillery character - I think this is a matter of not the best casks. I also get vanilla, sausage water (the water leftover after you have cooked your sausages) and runny honey.

Taste: Rich and full-bodied mouthfeel. White sugar, black pepper, very dark chocolate, butter and a touch of gunpowder.

Finish: Medium long finish. Earthy and again with dark chocolate. Toffee. Not particularly sweet, although the associations I get are in that direction.

Comments: Even Steven. The nose was not for me at all, but on the palate it is quite OK.

Score (81/100)

Sláinte! - Thomas