Cragganmore 12 Year Old, Diageo Special Release 2019

This year’s eight limited-edition cask strength whiskies selected master blender Dr. Craig Wilson form a unique collection from some of Scotland's most renowned distilleries.

Unique in its own way – distinctive maturation casks, rare finishes, unexpected taste profiles – every expression brings to life each distillery’s character, through beautifully dramatised illustrations of the wildlife and flora surrounding the distilleries.

APPEARANCE: Pale straw, unoaked white wine. Good beading.

NOSE: A mild nose overall, with light prickle. The aroma is initially elusive, both sweet (boiled sweets, apple pie) and savoury (soft leather, sanded wood), and with a wisp of fragrant peat-smoke. Ashy notes, as with a spent fire. A drop of water sweetens and mellows the nose further. Becomes more smoky in the development.

BODY: Light to medium.

PALATE: At natural strength, pleasantly smooth in texture;the taste is immediately rich, sweet and savoury, then unexpectedly and appealingly becomes smoky. Adding a drop of water makes it really smooth, and slightly sweeter,yet it remains appetisingly savoury. The spiciness and smokiness still come through, and linger in the finish.

FINISH: Smoothly smoky, spicy and warming; lightly drying,with a lingering thread of smoke and a pleasing aftertaste.With water, smoother and longer. Leaves an intriguing memory of smoke on the tongue.