SMWS Whisky Sample 44.85 Craigellachie 14 Year Old A Kiwi Tart in the Coffee Shop (30ml, 58.2%)

SMWS Whisky Sample 44.85 Craigellachie 14 Year Old A Kiwi Tart in the Coffee Shop (30ml, 58.2%)

This single cask expression was matured for 14 years in a 2nd-fill Ex-Bourbon Barrel. The choice of a 2nd-fill cask is critical here; it provides just enough vanilla and oak structure to support the spirit without overwhelming Craigellachie’s famously "weighty" and idiosyncratic character. Bottled at a robust 58.2% ABV, it is a concentrated, oily, and highly aromatic dram that defies the typical "light and floral" Speyside stereotype.

Tasting Notes

Nose: A complex and contrasting bouquet. It opens with bright, acidic notes of kiwi fruit, lime zest, and green apple, which are immediately grounded by a savory, darker base of roasted coffee beans and toasted hazelnuts.

Palate: The mouthfeel is thick, waxy, and "chewy." Initial sweetness of tropical fruit tarts and vanilla custardgives way to the distillery's signature industrial grit—think dark chocolate, malted barley, and a faint hint of matchstick smoke.

Finish: Long, warming, and drying. It leaves a lingering trail of citrus oils, espresso grounds, and a touch of drying oak spice.

Why this bottle is special

This bottle is special because it highlights the "Heavy Spirit" category of the SMWS in a way that is accessible yet complex. Craigellachie is prized by blenders for its ability to add "body" to a whisky; in this single cask format, you get to experience that physical weight unfiltered. The name "A Kiwi Tart in the Coffee Shop" perfectly encapsulates the odd, beautiful marriage of high-toned tropical fruit and deep, roasted bitterness that makes this specific cask a standout for those who crave texture in their glass.