December 11, 2014

The new Cragganmore plus junior

I think we’re almost done with this year’s Special Releases by Diageo. Today we’ll have the Cragganmore.

Cragganmore 12 yo (40%, OB, +/- 2005)

An older version because… that’s the only one I’ve got while just like all whiskies, the new SR does need a sparring partner. Remember, when you’re mad enough to score your whiskies, only comparison is reason. Colour: pale gold. Nose: rounded and nutty, then rather floral and honeyed. A wee touch of lavender, which I enjoy in this context, geranium, dandelions, a little mead, apple pie or tarte tatin and then crème au beurre. Light but not weak. Mouth: easy, with an earthy touch, a little wood, maybe some fresh mint, then roasted nuts and toasted brioche. Finish: a little short, but pleasantly chocolaty. Marmalade, raisins, orange cake. Comments: a good example of a gentle malt that’s both light and firm. SGP:441 - 80 points.

Cragganmore 25 yo 1988/2014 (51.4%, OB, Special Release, refill American oak, 3372 bottles)

Colour: pale gold. Nose: apricots, vanilla, dandelions and honey. The style isn’t far from that of the older 12, but of course this one has more oomph and probably more depth. More crème au beurre and tarte tatin (how French is that?), then oranges and a touch of liquorice and eucalyptus (drops of cough syrup). Notes of new American oak are far away, but you don’t feel them as such. Good. With water: not much changes, maybe a little more fresh sawdust? Mouth (neat): orangeade with ginger, vanilla and honey. Then mirabelles and apricots, probably figs, and a wee feeling of Turkish delights. The oaky side’s a notch more obvious now (fresh tannins, white pepper). With water: excellent! Plenty of yellow fruits (apricots, plums, peaches, pears) with a little maple syrup, custard honey, and one mint leaf. You feel the oak, but it’s almost an asset in this context. Finish: of medium length, fresh, clean, fruity and honeyed. No oaky aftertaste, hurray! Comments: we aren’t very far from the very excellent official 29 yo from… wait, oh no, ten years ago! SGP:551 - 88 points.

Check the index of all Cragganmore I've tasted so far

Pete McPeat and Jack Washback