Cragganmore Distiilers Edition 2021 - 40%
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From the Diageo website
An annual release of some of our finest single malt scotch
whiskies.
Each showcases a regional style of malt whisky-making, using
skills and knowledge honed over many years. The result is a range of sublime,
deeply flavoured single malt whiskies which possess a richness, depth,
complexity and nuance of flavour not found in the regular release. Aged in oak
cask wood selected to complement the individual distillery’s character.
2009 Cragganmore, double-matured in ex-bodega Port cask wood
for succulence and rounded depth of flavour to enhance the complex smoky aromas
and tastes of the regular release.
Appearance: Amber gold, forms a thick line which beads before falling as slow, thick legs.
Nose: Soft, with sweet red fruits, malted milk biscuits, hints of cinnamon and soft smoke.
Palate: Rich, almost jammy. Red fruits, baked apples, malt, nutty oak, ginger, cinnamon and a mild, gentle smokiness. Water brings out milk chocolate but flattens some of the fruitiness.
Finish: Long and lingering, with subtle smoke, milk chocolate nibs, vanilla pod and woody oak spice.
Summary: The standard Cragganmore 12 year old bottling is such an easy drinking, approachable whisky that I often recommend it to anyone wanting to try whisky for the first time. This edition, with the extra dimension of a port cask finish, follows on in a similar vein but the added fruitiness takes it up another couple of notches.
The combination of luscious red fruit and gentle smoke is perfectly balanced, whilst the appearance of chocolate in the finish adds another layer of complexity. It's a lovely dram, but you do have to wonder just how good this could be at 46%
Currently available around the £60 mark and I'd have to say that represents good value for money. As with others in the Diageo stable, the price on their own website is considerably higher so be advised that shopping around is worthwhile.
If you would like to know more about Cragganmore and their whiskies, follow the link to the company website.
Transparency: This sample was part of a 5 dram sample set, purchased from The Spirits Embassy. No goods or other incentives were exchanged, offered or requested for this independent review.
