The Darkness Craigellachie 12 Year Old Oloroso Cask Finish is Speyside tradition dipped in decadence, a robust, characterful malt from one of Scotland’s most distinctive distilleries, enriched by Darkness’ signature Oloroso octave finish. Craigellachie is known for its muscular, waxy style, and in this bottling, that strength is wrapped in layers of rich sherry and spice. The first sip feels like discovering an old library lined with leather and dark wood, warm, aromatic, and full of quiet sophistication.

Darkness Craigellachie 12 Year Old Oloroso Cask Finish 50cl
Brand: Darkness | Category: Single Malt Scotch Whisky | ABV: 51.3% | Origin: Speyside, Scotland | Vol: 500ml

Tasting Profile:
Nose:
Opulent and expressive. Notes of dark toffee, orange peel, and baked figs unfold with Craigellachie’s trademark meatiness. Hints of brown sugar, roasted nuts, and waxed oak bring depth and nostalgia.
Palate:
Full-bodied and bold. Rich sherry fruit, raisins, plums, and cherry compote, meets buttery malt, charred oak, and a flicker of spice. There’s a tactile, almost chewy texture that speaks to Craigellachie’s heavy spirit and long, patient aging.
Finish:
Long, spicy, and warming, with lingering notes of cocoa, clove, and polished wood. It fades slowly, leaving a glow of sherry sweetness and malted richness.

Production Details:
Distilled at the Craigellachie Distillery in the heart of Speyside, this whisky matured first in traditional oak before spending its final months in hand-selected Oloroso sherry octave casks. These smaller casks create intense interaction between whisky and wood, concentrating flavor and deepening color. Bottled at 51.3% with no chill-filtration or added color, it’s raw, authentic, and unmistakably Craigellachie but seen through the luxurious lens of Darkness.

Perfect For:
Perfect for sherry lovers who crave structure and power. This is an evening dram, contemplative, commanding, and best enjoyed slowly, perhaps by candlelight or paired with a cigar after dinner.

Expert Notes:
Critics highlight this release as a prime example of how Darkness elevates already exceptional whisky. Craigellachie’s meaty, oily spirit and the Oloroso’s dark sweetness intertwine perfectly. It’s been described as “a dram that tastes older than its years,” combining vigor with refinement.

Customer Reviews:
“Dense, sherried, and beautifully balanced. Craigellachie’s character shines through.”
“A proper winter dram, rich, spicy, and full of depth.”
“The texture is unreal. It’s not just flavor; it’s feeling.”

Interesting Fact:
Craigellachie’s unique waxy texture comes from its use of traditional worm-tub condensers, an old-fashioned cooling method that imparts weight and character few modern distilleries can replicate. This old-world technique meets modern cask artistry in Darkness’ hands.

Serving Suggestions:
Best savored neat to appreciate its layered complexity. A few drops of water unlock honey and citrus notes beneath the sherry richness. Pair it with dark chocolate or spiced fruitcake for an indulgent finish to the evening.

Distillery Background:
Founded in 1891, Craigellachie sits proudly on a rocky hill overlooking the River Spey. Known as the “bad boy of Speyside,” it produces one of the region’s boldest spirits, full bodied, slightly smoky, and defiantly unpolished. Under the Darkness range, its rugged charm is refined, transformed into a whisky that balances intensity with elegance, a true Speyside heavyweight dressed in sherry’s finest silk.