Cragganmore 12 Years is the Speyside component of the Classic Malts selection. I tried it on several occasions but never in the quiet environment of my writing desk. So here goes…
Cragganmore 12 yo
(40%, OB +/- 2017)
Nose: a winey profile, like a white wine. Rich honeyed fruits, apples, peaches, white grape juice. Quite a lot of meadow flowers, buttercups, a little hay. Light heather and sweet herbs. Vanilla. Pleasant.
Mouth: mild, malty and sweet, with the same hints of apricots and honey. Pear, a little banana, dried fruits. Almonds, gradually fading towards slightly sharper walnuts and roasted chestnuts. Cinnamon and subtle pepper. A light bitter edge and a hint of sweet mustard.
Finish: rather short, on orange peel, grainy notes and nuts.
A mild, sweet whisky with a very pleasant nose and some bitter / burnt notes on the palate that are less to my liking. Bottom line, a very good beginners malt. Around € 40 (TWE / MoM).
Score: 82/100