Worth the bump in price? | Craigellachie 17 REVIEW

[@alexbone98]

Great review! This bottle is normally $200 in Ontario but just a heads up to all the Ontario peeps that its currently on clearance for $145...tough to beat at that price.

[@AlinJapan]

Once again, I think you really nailed this one and I found myself vigorously nodding in agreement throughout. I actually started with the 17 and had the 13 later and both took some time in an open bottle to develop (and at the same time it took a few months for my palate to adjust to them). I think the 17 is worth the extra price, but the 13 is so very close in quality that I understand why some don't want to pay the extra for the 17. Craigellachie is easily one of my favorite distilleries.

[@Gwhisky]

Same! I think the 13 absolutely crushes the 17 when it comes to value, and if I wasn't such a fan boy of these guys I'd definitely have come down harder on the 17 for price. I do think it's a bit too much, honestly. The 13 takes us most of the way there at less than half the price. But yeah... amazing stuff nonetheless. Great minds think alike, eh? Cheers Alan! 🥃

[@xiamengbaby]

The 17 is triple the price of the 13 in my area. Absolutely outrageous!

[@AlinJapan]

@@xiamengbaby Ouch! The 13 is the better option then, at least for a bottle.

[@werners5191]

Always great to get an articulate and valuable take on a Craigellachie. I have recently started my first bottle of the 13, and totally agree with your assessment. Have to see whether I ever get the 17. For the foreseeable future, there are too many excellent 10- and 12-year-olds to buy first.

[@hermanboerakker-ub2se]

I tried also many other 10-12 year old and some where quite good drama but compared to flavour and complexity this 13year old is really something special imo.. like now I tried the Grlendronach 12 year old but it’s really to much sherry for me.. in that case I would prefer a more rich/smokey still then this bottle this week.. with Craigellachie it’s oily and very good with all flavors you pick it it’s like a on going palet

[@franco2739]

It is Jan 2024 in Ontario and the 17 is $50 off on clearance. Should I get one or 2 or 5? Hmmmmm lol

[@deeshmond]

Just picked a bottle of this up from the Heathrow Duty Free on your recommendation. Looking forward to it!

[@Gwhisky]

It's fantastic. Hope you enjoy! 🥃

[@grottafiest]

Good review as always...the 13 is absolutely fantastic...It's simply a damn good whisky!!!....looking forward to pouring the 17.

[@Northernbreed1738]

Ok - this pushed me over the edge. I do like the 13 for sure. Been waffling on grabbing a bottle of the 17 but now my future is clear. Off I go - thanks!

[@Gwhisky]

Well I hope you can get it at a fair price. I have some people telling me it's triple the price of the 13 in their markets. It's double here in Taiwan.l, and that's still pushing it a bit. Love it, but it's pricey! 🥃

[@Northernbreed1738]

@@Gwhisky … and I just looked. Yep, triple the price here. Crazy.

[@dernkross9095]

great review. Have you seen Horst Leuning's review on this one. It was from several years ago, but wow, he was gushing over it!

[@Gwhisky]

I've seen it. He seemed impressed and I can understand why! 🥃

[@05kanishk]

Dusty meaty mango-peaches (13) vs dusty meaty cola (17) That 4yr gap does show in terms of softening the spirity edge of 13. I agree with you in terms of hard to put 1 in front of the other. It is like taking a general poll on whether people like day or night

[@Gwhisky]

Hah well said. And yes! There is a cola note! As far as I'm concerned the 13 does 90% of what the 17 does for a fraction of the price! Hard to pick a favourite! 🥃

[@Rohit_M]

Great review of 17 Geoff. I agree with giving Craigellachie bottles the time to open up as they do have an unusual opening act. I grabbed a 17 recently although it was pricey, I just wanted to have it as I do like the 13. The likes of Craigellachie 13 and Ledaig 10 are just a few good values left around in what appears to be highly inflated whisk(e)y market now. I need to go get a 13 again as my last bottle got killed recently. Cheers!

[@Gwhisky]

The 13 is almost as good as the 17. Some days it even matches it for me. You'll certainly enjoy the 17, but you're right, the 13 is a the one to grab these days as everything is getting more expensive.

[@liamclarke5006]

Just Got my bottle after watching your review going to open it new year eve

[@Gwhisky]

It's a beauty, although it might need some time to open up. Enjoy and Happy New Year! 🥃

[@liamclarke5006]

@@Gwhisky Thanks looking forward to your bottle of the year happy new year and lucky 2023 and your Great whisky channel

[@TheWhiskyBaron]

What a dram! Great to hear your thoughts as always!

[@Gwhisky]

Thanks for watching TWB! 🥃

[@primewhisky]

Nice review, love this expression from Craigellachie

[@Gwhisky]

Thanks Primewhisky! A man of culture, you are!

[@darkoanton5]

It was 200cad here in Ontario and just went on province wide clearance for 145cad.

[@Gwhisky]

A damn good price! 🥃

[@jackhammer8439]

Just picked this gem up for 149 at the local lcbo($50) off which is something I’d never thought I’d see the Ontario LC do! Very interesting sweet salmon flavour…not fishy but the savory sweet flavour you can get from a fresh piece of salmon. But while not being fishy…I assume that’s the dirty funk most people chat about. Lots of the usual other flavours as well. Nice dram.

[@HandsomeFerret]

I bought the 17 randomly a few years ago because my local store had 1 left on clearance for $90CAD (I think regular price was $150+) and one of the best random buys to date. I have a little 3oz bottle of it tucked away to re-visit someday. Definitely a whisky worth exploring and taking your time with. The other random bottle I got that same day was the Talisker 57 North at 50% off. Probably the best day of whisky deals I've ever had with no idea how lucky I was at the time! Cheers

[@Gwhisky]

Damn that's a hell of a deal! Glad you got to try it. I'm sure it's well over CAD $200 nowadays.

[@gordont.8958]

$195 Cdn here in Alberta

[@HandsomeFerret]

@@Gwhisky I haven't seen it on the shelf in NB in a few years but everything is going up quickly - so yes, I would assume easily in the $200+ range now.

[@coppullcaveman]

Craig has alot to answer for! I had a flying visit a few years ago just before lockdown to Dewar's that was just off the main road I was passing. I picked up the 13 in a 5cl bottle. Loved it and although I have bought a bottle I havent got around to opening it yet. Again after the recent ralfy reviews and other comments, I picked up a bottle a last month (cautiously) with everything is skyrocketing, It was an impulse buy to say I had, at least tried it. It's in the stash. I'm not a fan of sherry bombs but as you say, I'm hoping it's subtle enough to carry it off. As you might be noticing, I'm building my stash up before the price apocalypse 😂 Another great review 👍

[@Gwhisky]

Smart move! I have a few whiskies stashed away from pre-apocalypse days. Anything that's still affordable now might be worth picking up, as they likely won't stay that way. Craigellachie is a great one to have in the stash! I'm sure you'll enjoy! Cheers and thanks for always watching and supporting, buddy!

[@wouterblom7569]

Hi Geoff, once again an excellent review. I did try the Craig 17 and liked it as well. I agree with your tasting notes (most of them, hah), but I think you are a bit too generous with your score there. Oh well. Beauty and scores are in the eye of the beholder, aren’t they? Keep up the good work!

[@Gwhisky]

Hah well I admit I'm known to be a generous scorer and a Craigellachie fan boy! Cheers buddy!

[@lightplays2181]

Wow 91 score ! I think it's good whisky ( i neverv tried it ) ! Good job Geoff ! Cheers !

[@Gwhisky]

Its wonderful stuff. Cheers Light! 🥃

[@lightplays2181]

@@Gwhisky l believe you )

[@barfridge0]

Curse you! I recently got a bottle of the 13, very very closely followed by a 2nd bottle. And this review (plus the one by Ralfy) has made me pull the trigger on the 17 as well. New subscriber here but have seen your reviews pop up, and you have good things to say, cheers!

[@Gwhisky]

Hah well I hope you enjoy the 17 sir. Thanks for subbing and welcome to the channel! Cheers! 🥃

[@welshtoro3256]

I do like this one. I recently had an opportunity to buy a bottle for £50. It was £70 in an airport special and I had a £20 discount voucher for spending on something else. Fool that I am I let it go because I was spending a week in Spain with my Spanish father in law and would have to polish it off in one week. Perfectly doable but I was behaving myself on this particular trip. My wife, who is AMAZINGLY tolerant of my whisky geekdom, would have been pretty pissed on this occasion. I'm afraid I can't separate price and quality any more. When I pay more I expect more. Removing that principle I find I still prefer the 13, a whisky I'm very fond of. That's a personal thing because I prefer the more bourbon profile. I think the 17 is fine and I would buy it from time to time but £100 is the limit for me. My real comfort zone is around £80-85. Fine review as always. WT

[@Gwhisky]

Fair. If value is a major consideration (and it should be!) then of course the 13 is the go-to. And I agree that it's comparable in quality. I like what the extra age and more intense sherry influence have done for the 17, but it's more "different" than "better." The 13 is an absolute treasure. 🥃

[@hermanboerakker-ub2se]

I started to like the 13year old from the first zipp:) maybe I really enjoyed that first bottle completely.. so it’s in my favorite list :) last week I got the 17th year old for like 97euros.. will wait for bc a good opportunity to open this bottle and explore all the flavours.. For me this brand 🔥 is top notch..

[@carlmartinlinder]

I tried them side by side blind two times and on both occasions I picked the 13 as my overall favorite. Equally good but different in my opinion.

[@Gwhisky]

Totally get it. In the right mood I still reach for the 13. I prefer the 17, but barely. 🥃

[@cato451]

I ❤️ worm tub funk

[@Gwhisky]

Same here! 🥃

[@lewisduffy675]

Great review as always man! Coincidentally I just picked up a bottle of this on a recent road trip. Very hard to source here in Canuckistan and at $200 more like three times the price of the 13! The plan is to stash it away for a special treat during the Holidays. Stoked!

[@Gwhisky]

Hah I knew it'd be CAD $200+. Triple, eh? Absurd. It's only slightly better than the 13 imo. It's double the price here in Taiwan, and even that's pushing it. I hope you got a better deal on it from your road trip. Price aside, I think it's excellent stuff. Challenging, but excellent. Enjoy buddy!

[@ps3inquisition441]

It’s better than the 13, but at 3 times the price in my market, it’s not an easy choice. However, this needs to be on my shelf at all times, it’s spectacular.

[@Gwhisky]

3x is far too much!

[@sms4hou676]

I have an exceptional cask series (1999) that is amazing. Drank one bottle, holding on to the second.

[@Gwhisky]

I've heard they're amazing! 🥃

[@stromghouls]

i hope you will get the 23 year old. it is a beast of a whisky like it's younger siblings. very good stuff. but a bit hard to find. i often do very long road trips to get a bottle.

[@Gwhisky]

I'd love to try it. I hear it's amazing. Sadly tough to find and very expensive. 🥃

[@eviltrain24]

$57 for the 13, $140 for the 17 in my neck of the woods. I've only had the 13 so far. You've clarified this wonderfully for me. The few comparisons I've read in the past had me tilting my head with Sus and Picion going, "What does that mean?" In the end, I suppose my instinct to keep the 17 low on the bucket list was correct... more or less. There's just too many good whisky's for under $100 still to be found. Guess I'll keep a look out for a dusty with a yesteryear price for this one. Thanks again.

[@Gwhisky]

Honestly the 13 does a lot of what the 17 does. It's double the price here, and even I have a tough time justifying it. I went easy on them because I'm a fan boy, but the 13 absolutely destroys the 17 from a budget perspective. Cheers buddy!

[@peathead4450]

Thanks for reviewing the Craigellachie 17, Geoff. Love it, like I also love the 13. On the 17 I specificaly love the fact the sherry is not overpowering and leave room for the character of the spirit shines through. Highly recomended despite the higher price... Only hope the rise in price stops ... now (as in NOW!). Slàinte mhath

[@Gwhisky]

Hah couldn't agree more. This is a whisky that I love (obviously), but it's on the verge of being too much. Still, it's a great pour and the sherried touch is beautiful! Cheers buddy!

[@Nikolay_Nikolov]

Very nice review, Geoff! Graigellachie 17 is very, very hard to get in Bulgaria and absurdly priced too. Whenever I have seen it in stock the price has been more than three times the price I paid for the 13 yo. I'm talking north of 130 euros. It is a great shame, because it looks like a malt I would enjoy. I have a bottle of the 13 yo in the stash which I plan to open when I finish my currently open Signatory Mortlach 13, 46%. Cheers!

[@Gwhisky]

Yeah the 17 is overpriced, there's no getting around it. And the quality we get in the 13 is equal or near-equal to what we're getting from the 17. The 13 makes way more sense from a value perspective. 🥃

[@hansvaneenennaam457]

Good review Geoff, you convinced me to try this one out. I will also check out your review on the 13 year old. Maybe try to get a sample of both. On their official site they state that the 13 y/o, the 17 y/o as well as the 23 y/o are all natural color.

[@Gwhisky]

Yes, these are completely naturally presented. The website also gives us the cask breakdown. My criticism was about what's shared on the bottle/label. Odd choice not to brag about a completely natural presentation. Still, good for them. I'm sure you'll enjoy the 17, buddy. It's excellent.

[@paulkukiel3725]

Off to buy the 13 today, as the LCBO doesn’t have the 17 here. Great review as always, Geoff!

[@Gwhisky]

Enjoy the 13. Absolute beauty. Be ready for a challenge! 🥃

[@quickform2264]

Just got the 17 at LCBO!

[@paulkukiel3725]

@@quickform2264 they didn’t when I left that comment. Interesting timing, a friend is picking me up a bottle while she’s down in Toronto. Enjoy!!

[@roymaddocks3184]

the 17 is on clearance right now at the LCBO

[@paulkukiel3725]

@@roymaddocks3184 Yes…I saw that a few weeks ago and grabbed a bottle. Unlike most of the LCBO’s “sales” (like $3.00 off), this was a significant price drop!!

[@Watchman999]

Craigellachie is a winner at the 13 year level but the price escalation after that makes it tough. Here's a question. If you could get a G&M ex-bourbon Craigellachie 20 Cask Strength Connoisseurs Choice bottle for about the same price as the 17 year core range bottling would you go for it? Or does the sherry maturation make this whisky? Happy New Year (2024) G and if you have a chat with "Craig" let us know why he doesn't put NCF and NC on the bottle....

[@Gwhisky]

Great question! I'd go for the 20 CS of course! Craigellachie has some really interesting IBs out there, and if the price matches an OB but is older AND cask strength? Easy choice! Cheers and Happy New Year! 🥃

[@aframs-cctaf-rams-cct6424]

I originally scored this bottle an 82 but updated to an 88 a couple months later. I haven’t touched the bottle in about a year so interested to see if I’ll like it more. I’ll give it a try tonight! Ha

[@Gwhisky]

Hah let's hope it's better. It grew on me a lot!

[@cecilrobbins5182]

Yo,G, my man, you have done it again! Your comic timing is impeccable! I was waiting for you to drop the label statement which had me at my first bottle, "Old fashioned in 1891"! Disappointing how seldom I hear it when Craigallachie is reviewed. So I checked the price and in Michigan the 17 is 3 times the price of the 13. So, I'll stick with what I've got. Now you must review the new Craigallachie NAS Armagnac release. Looking forward to it. It's only $10 more than that 13. Enjoy

[@Gwhisky]

I"ve tried the 13 Armagnac. It's just come onto the shelves here in Taiwan and I certainly plan on picking it up for review! As for the 17, yeah it's too pricey. Better off with the 13 as a value buy. Cheers Cecil! 🥃

[@cecilrobbins5182]

@@Gwhisky So, G, what did you think of the Armagnac? Or do I have to wait for the review?

[@Gwhisky]

@@cecilrobbins5182 On first impression I liked it. It was just a sample at a whisky show so I can't say I got to know it, but it left a good first impression. That being said, I do think I prefer the regular 13.

[@cecilrobbins5182]

@@Gwhisky Thanks for the quick response. I've not opened my bottle right now I'm working on the Ardbeg Scorch LE and Committee releases. I only started on scotch and spirits in 2019 cause we were going to Scotland and my friends were in Kentucky so in April we did the Bourbon Trail and then August we're in Scotland in October I found Ralfy. In February I discovered peat then lockdown but I was entirely hooked. Having 20+ years as a certified sommelier helped but I've missed so much I'm learning as fast as I can So, Eric Wait speaks my language and is in love with Ardbeg Corryvreckan as am I so he compared the 2 Scorch releases and I am using him as an instructor. Along with you and Ralfy and a couple others. There's some feeling of what I've missed but we're in a whole new Golden Age of scotch now and I came in as Glendronach was hot and now it's not. Glenallachie is rising and Kilchoman is on the scene. What a time.

[@DileepB]

Thanks for the review. Given the 2 to 1 price difference, I will stay with the 13.

[@Gwhisky]

Totally understandable! 🥃

[@ursoouindio]

I really like this and the 13. Even for beginners, I think it is interesting, more than other "funky" whiskies. Some inexperienced friends liked this one more than sweeter or smokier whiskies.

[@Gwhisky]

Interesting! I suppose it could work right away for some. Took me ages to wrap my head around this one! 🥃

[@log0log]

2 days ago started with Craigellachie 9yo from Signatory Vintage, young and a bit biting, otherwise nice whisky too

[@Gwhisky]

Haven't tried any Signatory, but my experiences with Criagellachie IBs oddly haven’t been quite as positive or consistent as they have with the core range... 🥃

[@log0log]

@@Gwhisky I don't have 13yo to compare, but Criagellachie/Signatory is relatively cheap (28 euro) and complex enough for young whisky.

[@TheReal_DeanD]

This review was great. there are 2 bottles of this left in my area but the store owner wants $170 US each. As interesting as it sounds I’m not paying over 3 times the price of the Craigallechie 13.

[@Gwhisky]

It's just over double the price of the 13 here and I can barely justify it, despite the fact that I love it. Triple? Nah... 🥃

[@philc1884]

Nice review, Geoff, thanks. When you say the 13 is an entry level what is that based on? 92pr and 13yrs seems legit. (I know nothing about scotch but in bourbon it's typically young, lower proof (compared to others) and cheaper. Cheers!

[@Gwhisky]

When I say entry-level I mean it's the most affordable or among the most affordable options from a brand. Doesn't imply that the whisky itself is basic. Plenty of brilliant entry-level scotches. The 13 is no slouch!

[@allanwhittle3041]

Mr G Great Analysis , I find the 13 and 17 really devisive whiskies , I love em for a while then hide ‘em away and don’t reach for them ( I like that phrase ..Reach for them!!🤣 it’s very USA but very interesting , much as you like something and I do like both the 13&17 I have to be honest and say ,I don’t reach for them to much . So ..much as I agree , they’re good , something stops me reaching .very often ! Good but not in a regular basis ! Good stuff mate Thanks 👍🥃

[@Gwhisky]

Ah yes... reachability. I used to include that term more in my reviews. It's actually a pretty big factor to consider when you're looking at a whisky. It may be good or of a certain quality, but how often do you actually go for it? Hah. Well, for me, the 13 is very "reachable." Fair price and absolutely loaded with personality. But I see why it wouldn't appeal to everyone all the time. Definitely one that challenges. Cheers Allan! 🥃

[@sandrofazzolari8833]

Been enjoying the 13 for years, but the 17 is not better enough to warrant the price. I enjoyed a bottle back in 2018 but no thanks at todays prices. Fine review and great details. Thanks Geoff. Kind regards, S.

[@Gwhisky]

Yeah the 17 only slightly edges out the 13 and it's over double the price here. I went easy on it because this is one of my favourite brands, but from a value perspective it's not close. The 13 absolutely destroys the 17 when it comes to bang-for-buck. Cheers Sandro!

[@maltontiger3144]

Great video Geoff. I absolutely love both the 13 and the 17. Even with price taken out of the equation the 13 slightly edges for me but the 17 is fantastic too. Luckily because they Craigellachie is Campari owned both are substantially cheaper in Italy than the UK. The 17 is available for around £80 and the 13 £35, incredible value! Cheers

[@Gwhisky]

I totally get it. I have days where the 13 is as good if not better than the 17. I do think the 17 is the better of the two, it's much more complex, but it's also over double the price. I went easy on it because I'm such a fan boy, but I admit it's overpriced... at least it is outside of Italy. Cheers Ramiz!

[@dextercool]

I have found the 13 quite flinty/glassy so far but ready to learn to like - reminds me a bit of a more minerally Aultmore. The 17 seems to a richer proposition - less uncompromising. I hope you line up some vids with whisky comparisons like top 18 year olds etc.

[@Gwhisky]

That 18 year old ranking video will come eventually. So many to get through, though! 🥃

[@WhiskeyStraightAl]

This whisky, from your description, sounds a bit like me - not smooth, a bit rough and hard to get along with. But then when you take the time, it's more than worth it😉🤣 Great review mate.

[@Gwhisky]

Hah come on, Big Al! You're smooth as silk! 🥃😉

[@andriiyeremenko7406]

Greetings! The price of 17 is 200$ in our region vs 55-60$ for 13 years)

[@Gwhisky]

Yeah at that price I'd say skip it. The 13 gets you 90% there anyway. Damn this stuff is pricey in some places! 🥃

[@dairyyang5457]

Yes, you totally nailed it! The amount of sherry influence is so well deployed, leading to a very complex taste. Hah, bloody steak is an interesting description. I'm the one having issue with that metallic sharpness; it might be perfect if aging more.🍺🍺

[@Gwhisky]

Can't thank you enough for this one buddy. It took me a while to warm up to it but I really think it's fantastic. And yes, very well done sherry! 🥃

[@dairyyang5457]

It's great and important when you mentioned taking time with whisky in video. Recently I came back to some bottle sitting for a while, and many did open up beautifully. It seems to happen in most complex style of whisky. Glad you enjoy it!

[@rafaelnardiiii]

Dewar's updated the Craigellachie website a few weeks ago and now there's full disclosure of the casks used. 13: CASK TYPE Initially matured in a mixture of ex-Bourbon and ex-Sherry casks. 50% of the 'blend' is then finished in first-fill Sherry casks, the rest in first-fill Bourbon. 17: CASK TYPE Initially matured in a mixture of ex-Bourbon and ex-Sherry casks. 50% of the 'blend' is then finished in first-fill Sherry casks, the rest in first-fill Bourbon. The same recipe for both.

[@Gwhisky]

Yeah I used some of the updated website info in the video. My criticism was their odd decision not to disclose that (very useful) information on the bottle or sleeve. Odd decision.

[@heavilypeted]

Where I am, the 13 goes for $65-70 CAD and the 17 for $175 CAD. The 17 only looks expensive because the 13 is priced so low. Compared to other 18 year olds, the 17 is bang on middle of the road price-wise in my area. I find it to be very different than the 13. I get a strong powdered sugar note with only a whiff of the ruggedness of the 13. In my opinion this is totally worth the price jump from their entry level offering. If you're still reading this, stop right now and go grab a bottle

[@Gwhisky]

High praise! Glad you enjoy it! 🥃

[@theodosios2615]

Sounds like a great whiskey. But here in BC Canada it's $220 vs $82 for the 13 yr. Not happening.

[@jeffmill999]

13 was MY whisky of the year last year...I just killed a bottle last night.. I grabbed a 17 about 8-9 months ago...It was superb.. But, I can get 2 13s for like $10us more than 1 ..17.... All said...I want another... But, I can get the 13 here in Siem Reap...The 17 is available at my whisky store on Phnom Penh... Yes, I like the 17 more....but not enough more to pay nearly double... I have bought 4-5 13s since I killed the 17....going to get another 13 tomorrow.. Cheers buddy.... I did the can and keep extra corks in it and it begs me to buy another....

[@Gwhisky]

Yeah I agree that the price bump is barely justified. Better to load up on the 13 and enjoy it guilt-free knowing the price is fair. Cheers buddy!

[@Pilottoz1]

I got the 13 for 53dls sitting right next to the 17 for whooping 185 US dls😅

[@Gwhisky]

Love the 17, but you made the right call. 😂🥃

[@vimalrajkappil]

How you rate this with Royal Brackla 16,??

[@Gwhisky]

I haven't had it. I like the new 12, though.

[@RomainRiviere]

I know it's much too expensive but i'd love to see a review of the 23 on this great channel of yours. Maybe consider it as a Christmas gift? ☺️

[@Gwhisky]

Hah! I am curious about that one. Maybe someday! 🥃

[@SaltyCuban]

@Auberginenpeter $300 in Florida . If you can find it.

[@MasterMote]

How does it compare to the 23?

[@Gwhisky]

I haven't tried the 23. 🥃

[@MasterMote]

@@Gwhisky ☹️

[@GeoffreyBangers]

Friggin' Craig! That guy's gotta be moonlighting at Glen Garioch. I'm among the 13 diciples...wait. The disciples of the 13...no, that sounds too culty. You know what I mean. Anyway, I've always wanted to taste the 17yr old...nope. The Craigellachie 17 single malt scotch whisky is something I've always wanted to try, but it's pretty expensive, so it's difficult to justify buying it for myself. And by that I mean not get really in trouble with my wife. But I have no problem with someone else buying it for me, so I'm writing it on my Christmas list riiiight now. Cheers Geoff!

[@Gwhisky]

Hah even I'm not convinced it's worth the bump in price. I only like it slightly more. I went easy on this because I'm such a fan boy of the brand, but if the price is too daunting, trust me, you're getting 90% of the experience with the 13. Love the 13...

[@jaime_hi-meh_not_jay-mee7095]

I’m still beating myself up for not getting this when it was on sale for $110. Now it goes for around $145. Oh well!

[@Gwhisky]

Hah damn. Yeah I think we've all had those woulda shoulda coulda moments with whiskies. 🥃

[@heisenbergguy7772]

Triple price of the 13 where I am!

[@ccuellar6212]

0:42 Sounds like he is describing the man of his dreams.

[@tomtomtommyism]

dammit, I loved the 13 a couple of years ago....really memorable bottle... so 17 for £89 + Machir Bay for £36 (to get free delivery) on their way

[@Gwhisky]

That's a solid haul! Both good bottles, you'll enjoy!

[@tomtomtommyism]

@@Gwhisky aye, Kilchoman my last Islay distillery to have a grasp of to "round the island" ..if I like this, don't see any reason why not from what I've read, but you never know, sanaig and loch gorm at some point in 2023... was always hesitant of the Craig 17 because of the price compared to some of the competition but then again I thought the same of the 13 and it turned out to be one of my best sub £50 purchase so I pulled the plug because of your review :) really loved the ledaig 10 I had too, one of the best low-mid £30s purchase, so the 18 is coming just b4 xmas because of you too I reckon ;)

[@HermannCohen]

The real shit! Great Review!

[@Gwhisky]

Thanks Achim! 🥃

[@canal-do-guga-namura]

Tried it twice (the second time more recently)... I'm not sure what to make of it to be honest, maybe I need more whisky experience or more time with it. But yeah, it does taste heavy, this is not a whisky for those looking for a "soft" sipper. It's not fair that last time I tasted it was right after tasting the GlenDronach 15 followed by the 18. It would have to be a heavy hitter to make an impact after the Allardice. Cheers!

[@darkoanton5]

It's a superb whisky, but it costs 2.5x more than the 13 in my area.

[@Gwhisky]

Yeah... great whisky, not great value. 🥃

[@Dan-hn1lx]

For some crazy reason Craigellachie 13 is around 90 Aud and the 17 is 180 and the 23 is 770 aud the pricing is just really weird so the 13 it is....

[@Gwhisky]

It's pretty absurd how massive the price bumps are for those few extra years. Even though I love it, I have a hard time justifying the 17 at double...

[@SaltyCuban]

What’s going on Geoff! Gm. Well it’s morning here anyhow. I love the 13. Great value. Let’s hope the price remains about the same. Let me just say, NO whisky right now has a justified price increase. They’re mostly all through the roof. The industry needs a kick in the ass and a dose of reality. People are hurting and it’s going to get worse moving fwd. I’ve seen this bottle. At the current price I won’t be buying it. The money will go to a more reasonably priced product. At the end of the day it’s alcohol in a barrel. Tasty stuff but we have to snap out of it at times and draw a line in the imaginary sand. I say envision a max price point and stick to it. That advice should serve you well.

[@Gwhisky]

Hard line in the sand, eh? Understandable. This is pushing it for me in terms of the price for sure. Over double the 13. I went easy on it because I love it so much, but I can't argue with your points, buddy. 🥃

[@SaltyCuban]

@@Gwhisky well IF I saw it at double the price I’d pay it. But it goes here for at least triple if you find it at that price. I’ve seen it at @$150-$200. For a 17 yr old? That’s pushing it. Should be between $100-130 at most.

[@Gwhisky]

I've said it before... I'm very lucky to be where I am. It's just under USD $100 here. Triple the price and $150+? Hard pass.

[@SaltyCuban]

@@Gwhisky yeah it’s tough brother. An example. I not long ago saw in Charleston Sc several bottles of the elusive 12 yr Springbank. $200. Some people would gladly pay that and I even believe it’s not as bad as I’ve seen online for those. However. I paid $90 for a couple bottles a few yrs ago and I am not paying more than double for anything unless its medicine I need. So I left those bottles to more wealthy drinkers to snatch up. Sad but true. Sometimes you just have to step away. 😂 Ps besides I still have one unopened. Doubt I’ll ever find one at fair price again though. The most unique moment about its taste to me was the neck pour. Never tasted anything like that. But after that it became a very good but normal malt. Not worth over $200 to me.

[@barryfrombarnsley2790]

Craig, come on pal

[@bluesmanen1]

This one is great....but I prefer the 13yo

[@Gwhisky]

I can understand that. 🥃

[@MrChristopherMolloy]

Craigellachie 17 is $180, which is almost 4X the price of Craigellachie 13 which I can find for $46.

[@Gwhisky]

Damn that's pricey. It's under USD $100 here.

[@MrChristopherMolloy]

@@Gwhisky Wow!

[@jackthepickledhound]

$52. Vs $206. Somebody greedy at the store has their pulse on the scuttlebutt. The 13 Armagnac is $70 so that's probably a pass too. I'd rather look at some indies. My 23 was the first $199.99 bottle I ever bought and maybe I'll open someday. It's still the oldest in my collection. I can't do the 17, for 200 it's got to be a more special bottle. Four extra years and sherry is just not enough.

[@MrChristopherMolloy]

@@jackthepickledhound I have that Armagnac one, but I totally forgot about it until you mentioned it! Lol 100% agree with your logic! And for the record I've never spent more than $190 (before taxes) on a bottle; Glenfarclas 25 was $190, I bought an IB PEATED 21yo Craigellachie for $170, Glenmorangie Signet for $170 (I couldn't stop staring at the bottle 😍), and a $170 CS Single Cask 13yo Highland Park because a shop-owner saved me a bottle because he thought I'd want it and I couldn't say no. Those are my most extravagant whisky purchases ✌️

[@triggeringliberals405]

What do you mean it doesn't disclose the casks ? The front of the bottle clearly says they use oak casks for a minimum of 17 years for a rich full character read the label??? Wtf

[@Gwhisky]

Ah damn you're right. 😂

[@davidowen2834]

Hi Geoff, my first bottle of the 13 was like “ whats going on here “ then gradually started to love it, had another bottle since then but the 17 is out of my price range, although I would love to try it. Like Ralfy says the contract is on the bottle, not the packaging, if your like me, when I buy a bottle the packaging I either leave in the shop or throw it away when I get home , they just take up space. Yes you do know your shit 😂. Slàinte Geoff.

[@Gwhisky]

Hah... well I should have clarified that everything we need to know with regards to casks and natural presentation is on the website. But yes, the bottle is the contract. Absolutely baffles me why a brand would leave out something so essential as "natural colour" on the label... Cheers my friend! 🥃

[@canal-do-guga-namura]

Useless question: Why does every reviewer pronounce it CraigeAllachie if it's called Craigellachie?

[@Gwhisky]

Lol no idea.

[@canal-do-guga-namura]

@@Gwhisky Maybe my earlier comment was deleted for having a link to a quick youtube video about this pronunciation. Basically, it makes sense... Craige L Lachie.

[@darkoanton5]

Can$80 v Can$200 in my market. So it's 2.5x more expensive.

[@Gwhisky]

Eesh. Yeah... Canada prices... maybe not. Shame. 🥃

[@isherpa]

Whisky tubers starting to get a little arrogant with their demand of age statement, non chill filtered and non colored label demands. I'm hoping some whiskys, integrity as they might be, keep some info under veil for whatever reason they see fit

[@Gwhisky]

Yeah how dare we ask for transparency from a premium product that we spend our hard-earned money on?

[@klizzt]

I don't quite understand your point. There is no need to advocate for non age stated, sub 46% colored whiskies. Those are the norm on the market place, since that's where larger comparations see the most crowd pleasing products and hence the largest market. Whisky tuber advocating for more transparency and less meddling with the product is supposed to set a counterpoint to the industry standard and trends. I don't think we have to worry about any larger whisky maker not daring to put out a low ABV, colored, chill filtered product, because that's what they do all the time anyways...

[@lightplays2181]

@@Gwhisky )))

[@isherpa]

@@Gwhisky only the 1% of whisky drinkers such as yourself are asking for this label transparency. For the rest of drinkers, other aspects such as price and taste matter more. I'm not saying those details are not important, certainly quality whisky distillers will produce quality dram with age statements, NCF, NC. But harping about it constantly just is a little off putting. To each his own though! I am drawn to your content so apologies for my direct feedback here

[@isherpa]

@@klizzt if you read well, you can see that it's not advocating for the status quo of today's whisky making and marketing. It's just a complaint about the repetiveness of whisky tubers of stating the same thing over and over again on Labels.