John Dewar & Sons, has announced the launch of the first
expression from a new collection of single malts, from its Speyside based Craigellachie
Distillery.
Craigellachie 13 Year Old Armagnac Cask Finish (46% ABV) was
initially matured in a combination of re-fill and re-char Bourbon barrels,
before being finished in Bas-Armagnac casks, sourced from the northernmost part
of Gascony, in France.
 |
| Craigellachie 13 Year Old Armagnac Finish |
The new Craigellachie Cask Collection series, was inspired by the distillery’s use of old-fashioned worm tub condensers, and uses casks for finishing that have been sourced from producers of oak-aged spirits, who also stick to traditional methods.
Using casks from distilleries who make a ‘heavier’ style of
spirit, which can stand up to the single malt’s distinct character,
Craigellachie’s Malt Master, Stephanie Macleod has used the series to demonstrate
her expertise and skill in the art of maturation and wood management.
Often overshadowed by Cognac, Armagnac is a far older and
more distinctive French brandy with its very own customary production process.
Distilled just once through a specially made continuous still and in most
cases, a traditionally constructed Alembic Armagnaçaise; a portable wood-fired
still designed to be transported to the small farms who produce Armagnac.
Commenting on the launch, Stephanie Macleod, said:
“Craigellachie is a distinctly bold and brooding malt; full-bodied and meaty so
we are using these cask types to complement and elevate the signature character
of the distillery, not mask it, to add an extra dimension of flavour and
intrigue.”
Craigellachie 13 Year Old Armagnac Cask Finish, will be
available later this month from specialist retailers, for a RRP of £52.99.
Posted by Steve Rush