Strangely enough this is only the first Cragganmore I review on this blog. I’m pretty fond of the spirit they produce and quite like their standard 12 year old, as well as some of the limited releases. The only other regularly available expression is the Distillers Edition, which has seen annual releases for over fifteen years now.
Today I review one of the earlier Distillers Edition’s which was bottled a while back in 2001. As always with the Distillers Edition’s from Diageo, this is double matured. In this case it has had an extra maturation period in ex-Ruby Port casks.
Cragganmore 1987/2001 (40%, OB ‘Distillers Edition’)
Nose: The port influence is fairly obvious. It’s sweet, fruity and fresh. Earl grey tea with oranges and honey as well as fudge. Pretty rich and noses really well, especially considering it is bottled at only 40 percent.
Taste: More honey, as well as earl grey and notes of espresso, but now with more spices (cinnamon) added to the mix. Slightly oaky and thus a bit drying.
Finish: Dry-ish, with honey and a touch of smoke.
Rating: 86
Very enjoyable. The port influence is obvious, but not overpowering. Maybe a tad too dry, but nothing to be too worried about.