2006 Behind the Highlander (Craigellachie) 14 Year Old "Hepburn's Choice" K&L Exclusive Single Refill Sherry Butt Cask Strength Blended Malt Scotch Whisky (750ml)

Notes

If you've ever been to the Highlander Inn, you'll know all too well that it's dangerously close to two of Scotland's best distilleries. One has become so ubiquitous that its name does not even connote Scotch any longer, but simply luxury. The other is the rugged and rustic dark horse (formerly owned by White Horse!) Craigellachie. They're putting out some of the very best malt anywhere in Scotland to little fanfare. The still house has been reconstructed in the modern era and looks similar to Glendronach's, a stone and glass box, which isn't so pretty from the outside, but gives the distiller plenty of air and space to work. It wasn't until recently that owners Bacardi began marketing this excellent malt on its own, although the vast majority of this whisky still ends up in the Dewars blend. Built in 1891 on the cliffs across from Macallan, if you miss the turn off to Dufftown, you'll miss Craigellachie, but the next road takes you right to the Highlander Inn. There you should stop and taste the local dram of choice. Or save a trip and try this awesome little cask. Aged for 14 years in a refill sherry butt, the malt has all the classic hallmarks of this awesome distillery. Dense and chewy, without being masked by the fresh sherry, the malt offers plenty of deep herbal character, powerful savory spice and complex cacao flavors. This malt was teaspooned with a small quantity of Dailuaine to declassify it. Be sure to add some water to soften this rugged whisky a bit.