Cragganmore Special Release, 55.7%, 2016 Release
A limited edition just 4,932 individually numbered bottles worldwide
Natural cask strength single malt.
Distilled at the Classic Malts Speysidedistillery, Cragganmore.
A sixth distillery release of Cragganmore in this series. From three cask types chosen for flavour alone: both refill & rejuvenated American Oak hogsheads and ex-bodega European Oak butts.
Beautifully structured and contemplative, with a soft, sweet nose, this Cragganmore is charming throughout as it shows off the dry distillery character to the full; it has a compellingly intense palate that gradually dries in a clever interplay between oak and malt to a long, warming finish that’s superbly subtle with water.
Tasting notes...
Appearance: Warm yellow-gold, with good beading.
Nose: Warming and welcoming. Softly fresh, with gentle traces of beeswax then orange zest or tinned mandarin oranges and fruit salad on a base of broad, soft malt-loaf. With time, a beautifully balancing spicy acidity appears, followed by ripe red apple. Much later, clean and dry, with a little dried herb and a marzipan sweetness. Softer and approachable with a drop of water, which introduces a menthol note; floral and heady, with hints of banana chew or fresh fruit salad with Crème Anglais. Then honey and butter on more malt loaf. Slightly nutty.
Palate: A smooth texture, with a sweet start; sugary and intense, with fragrant fondant in the mid-palate. Soon, becoming more drying; cedaryand aromatic, although still unctuous. Slowly developing beautiful notes of cocoa and liquorice, then growing savoury, with porcini and a little salt. At reduced strength, still smooth but spicier and richer, cooling with soft cherry notes; then a real spritziness; finally mint imperials and late toasted grain.
Finish: Long, warming and cleansing. Growing charred, like a burnt fruit on a panettone; rounded and drying, with late flinty notes and coating tannins. Subtle smoke and spice with water; long and coating, with fresh fruit compote. Later, mint and finally, herbal again; still fiery and cleansing.
Distilled at Cragganmore Distillery
Year Bottled: | 2016 |
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Distillery/Company | Cragganmore |
Bottler: | Diageo |
Region | Speyside |
Volume | 55.70% |
Bottle Size | 70cl |
GTIN / Barcode | 5000281046082 |
Type of Spirit: | Single Malt Whisky |