Will You Enjoy Craigellachie 13 Year Old?
What Are Worm-tub Condensers?
Worm tub condensers are a feature that whisky aficionados get genuinely excited about. Modern condensers, known as shell and tube condensers, are typically easier to operate and clean, and they usually produce a lighter, fruitier spirit. In contrast, worm tub condensers are old-fashioned and tend to yield a thicker, more robust spirit.
A small copper arm (the ‘worm’) extends from the lyne arm of the second still into an external tub, where a coiled copper pipe is submerged in water. This pipe narrows as it descends to the bottom of the tub, capturing the spirit as it condenses back into liquid. This process is pivotal to the style of many distilleries.
Famous users of worm tub condensers include Craigellachie, Edradour, Ardnahoe (which also uses other condensers), Talisker, Rosebank, and Brora. Some say this is where Craigellachie’s salinity originates; others believe it’s responsible for the distillery’s distinctive weighty character. Either way, it’s a crucial step in crafting Craigellachie’s unique style.
How Does Craigellachie Compare To Other Speyside Whiskies?
On paper, Craigellachie stands apart from other, more traditional Speyside styles. It has qualities that are hard to match and can even rival brands like Clynelish, Old Pulteney, or Glenfarclas, particularly when matured in sherry casks. With its higher ABV, use of worm tub condensers, and mostly bourbon cask maturation—which, while not uncommon, works remarkably well with Craigellachie’s character—the whole range is crafted to stand out. Every bottling is natural in color and unchill-filtered, preserving the full impact of each contributing factor, from start to finish.
In essence, if you enjoy Speyside whiskies, Craigellachie is likely to impress. It’s distinctly Speyside but with a twist—all in the best possible ways.
