I think the ages of both are interesting. The 13 tastes closer to 15 than 12 and the 17, whilst only three years older, could be an 18. Craigellachie has a lovely waxy feel, much more than the Clynelish in my opinion. I like both expressions but not only do I think the 13 better value, I actually prefer it but that's a personal matter. In the U.K the 17 is twice the price. Neither expression gives anything away to Springbank which is ridiculously overrated by the community. I love Springbank but this attitude that they set the bar is quite wrong.
As one of my commenters recently pointed out… the allure of SB WAS that it’s high quality old school at a reasonable price. But call something paradise and kiss it goodbye. It’s just whisky folks! Cheers 🥃
I've just fallen in love all over again with Craigellachie 13. So much so that I went up to NH Liquour Outlet today to pick up a backup bottle, on sale for $49.99. I couldn't let that pass at that price. I'm sure I'll never splurge 3x+ the $ for the 17. The 13 is so good, for me, that I don't need to. Nice comparison, thanks! Cheers!
Agree James … C13 can still be found for $50! That and Clynelish 14 are the best value for money around. I also have backups because it’s almost too good to be true. Cheers 🥃
Craigellachie 13 was my first scotch 5 years ago. Fantastic stuff. I managed to find a 17 for just under 150usd and I’m very happy it’s in my bar. But the markup definitely isn’t justified in the experience. Thank you sir, cheers to a soon to celebrate 1k following 🥃
I love the 13 and the 17 but I can't continue to justify paying so much more for the 17. Having said that the complexity and what I get on my palette is so enormously complex and delicious with that very pricey Craigellachie 17! I do also very much enjoy the 13! I don't know that I'd say they make it as alternatives to Springbank. Having sat here for a bit pondering and reflecting and just having had a dram of Springbank 18 and a tiny dram of Craigellachie 17 I am changing my mind as I listen to your thoughts! They are pretty damn amazing for comparables! Reflection is worth it! Lol! Terrific video John and I was fascinated the whole time! Love your work/reviews and opinions! Cheers! 🙂
Thanks so much Christine for your kind words and support! I say Alternative instead of substitute in that if one can find SB… there are other alternatives that offer complexity and dirtiness like Craigallachie and possibly Benromach. The C17 is expensive in the states but can be bought online overseas for @ $90. Cheers 🥃
Your review is spot on, Craigellachie 13 is a great value for money whisky. 17 would be good to have on your bar but it's hard to justify paying 3 times as much when the 13 year old offering is that good.
Yeah, The 13 is half what the 17 is here in Cambodia and I have tried many times to put them head to head.. I would take the 2 bottles of 13.. I sure like the 17 though.
A great video! I would love to see a comparison between Loch Lomand 12 and Springbank 10 and Loch Lomand 18 and Springbank 18. Both styles are slightly peated and are not entirely dissimilar.
I agree with John. I find it hard to get excited by Loch Lomand. I'm very interested by independent bottles of their Croftengea so I don't dismiss them but the official bottles fall short of Springbank and the standards that Springbank set. I think the 12 tastes young and with little complexity. That's just my opinion.
What a comprehensive review, thanks John! I feel like listening to one of my professors at the university. I love how you compare everything and talk about the similarities. A true enthusiast and an educator you are! Gauldrons is expensive and fails a bit yes but might I suggest Campbeltown Loch as a budget alternative. Have you had it? ps I love the Craigallachie 13 but haven't tried the 17 yet. Cheers!
Thanks for the kind words. I found my Gauldrons batch disappointing and not representative of SB or Kilkerran. Maybe some off character GS? Campbeltown Loch is not available in my area. Craigellachie 13 I believe is all ex-bourbon whereas the 17 & 23 have some sherry. Haven’t had the 23 because of $$$. Craigellachie 13 is $50-$60 in my area. Highly recommended! Cheers 🥃
Thanks for saving me $$$. One store in my area has 2 bottles left of the Craigellachie 17 year at 180$ each. Was thinking about it but now no more. Craigellachie is $50 each now and readily available.
Nice review as always. Springbank alternatives, no , but fine single malts none the less. The 13 is great value for money, I’m not convinced the 17 offers that much more for the extra price.
I really love the 13yo and the 17yo is also nice. But I absolutley prefer the 13yo, both smell and taste is to me better. Pricewise I think the 17yo is heavily overpriced for what it is, almost twice the price compered to the 13yo on my market, I rather buy two 13yo instead of one 17yo ...and I must say that three times the price at your market is totaly crazy...imho, it's not worth that kind of money. Regarding them as an alternative to Springbank....well, imho....no alternative...they are to different. I would see them as a compliment...it's a mood thing for me. CHEERS
Thanks for sharing your perspective. By referencing SB alternative I’m implying if one can’t ever find a SB10 then C13 is something just as special without the hype… Cheers 🥃
@@welshtoro3256 good to know. I’ll look for a sample or a bar to try the 17. Doesn’t seem it’s that different or great that I should invest in buying a whole bottle.
Craigellachie 13 is top 3 for me. It goes on sale for about $38 USD in my area and while the 17 year is generally about $160 USD it is on a steal of a deal right now at about $100US. I'm so tempted to pick one up considering I like the 13 so much. Money, money....money, money, money. It's "Just Money".....isn't that what your show is called?
A $100 is a steal and a half for C17…. I would buy as many as you can afford. At that price It’s Just Money 💰 In the bank. What store is this you speak of? Cheers🥃
And you bought the bottle for a discount price ? I bought a bottle last week for like 97euro here they go up to 127 euro so I thought let’s buy it and save the bottle for a special moment to open it and taste it
Don't know about Craigellachie resembling Springbank, but definitely agree that a Clynelish 14 is a damn fine spirit that needs a case on the side - notwithstanding Ralfy's view that it ain't what it once was. Cheers
My opinion regarding Craigellachie is more in line with… since SB is unavailable there are alternatives such as Craigellachie that are different but just as enjoyable. Cheers 🥃 …Clynelish 14 offers great value for money as well.
Earth shaking!! I was getting 13 for $45 US. And I've started seeing the 17 for well over $200. I may not pay 3 times but 4 times ... hahahaha. Truth be told I paid $200 for my 23 and someday I'll open it
@@utoobia in a world without SB…. Craigallachie is a damn good whisky that offers incredible value for money. Kilkerran 12 is also one of my favorites Albeit challenging to find. Cheers 🥃
@@justwhisky Your point on availability is solid, since that along with price are the very reasons we’re looking for Springbank alternatives. I suppose I’ve been luckier than most in finding Kilkerran CS, 12, and 16 at good prices recently, but had to order from Scotland to get them. Slàinte Mhath.
You do realize it cost me hundred dollars to give you FREE advice and review. Show a little appreciation please. Just Whisky putting life in perspective son. Fast forward next time to the score…. Which again costs you nothing. Oh yeah… get a life dude! Cheers 🥃
