Whisky Review/Tasting: Cragganmore Distillers Edition

Physical Whisky Characteristics

Origin: Speyside, Scotland
Type: Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Distillation Year: 2005
Bottling Year: 2017
Age Statement: 12 years
Maturation Process: Initially matured in ex-bourbon casks, followed by a finishing period in port wine casks. The specific type of port wine previously used in these casks was once specified as ruby port on the label, though this detail seems to have been omitted in more recent editions.
Color and Clarity: Not explicitly described, but the influence of port wine casks suggests a potentially rich and vibrant hue.
Bottle Design: Features four seals or symbols on the side and back, representing various aspects of the distillery and its heritage, including the distillery symbol, a pot still, a little wheel, and cast iron gates, along with initials representing the distillery's establishment year (1869) and other elements related to the whisky's production.

Balance of Flavors: Described as more intense and less balanced than the standard 12-year-old Cragganmore, with a significant impact from the port wine casks.
Unique Characteristics: Notable for its fruity top note, attributed to the port wine finish, which is lighter and more fruity than typical port wine influences. The whisky also features a slight smoky note reminiscent of a fading fire in a room.
Comparison: The Distillers Edition is much more intense than the standard Cragganmore 12 Years Old, offering a journey from sweet beginnings to a dry, oaky finish with herbal and spicy notes, including cocoa and possibly vanilla from the bourbon casks.

Distillery Location: Cragganmore is a small distillery located near the River Spey in Ballindaloch, accessible only via narrow roads, emphasizing its secluded and intimate setting.
Packaging and Branding: Discussion on the unchanged packaging and labeling of the Distillers Edition, despite expectations for an update, and the retention of symbols associated with past master distillers.

Speyside Identity: The whisky embodies the quintessential characteristics of a Speyside single malt, with its fruity and slightly smoky profile.
Historical Context: The distillery's establishment in 1869 and its traditional production methods contribute to the whisky's heritage and authenticity.

"It's a bit mean because if you say it's the least best one in the series. No, not the least best one. Best selling." - Discussing the popularity of Cragganmore within Diageo's Classic Malts of Scotland series.
"It's one of these journey whiskies where you start off sweet and you end up with a good amount of oak." - Describing the evolving flavor profile of the Distillers Edition.

Cragganmore Distillers Edition is a Speyside single malt, distilled in 2005 and bottled in 2017, aged 12 years.
It features a unique maturation process with an initial aging in ex-bourbon casks and a finishing period in port wine casks.
The whisky offers a more intense flavor profile compared to the standard 12-year-old Cragganmore, with a notable fruity top note from the port wine finish and a slight smoky character.
The distillery's secluded location near the River Spey and its historical context add to the whisky's charm and appeal.
The Distillers Edition is appreciated for its journey from sweet to dry, oaky flavors, making it a distinctive choice for whisky enthusiasts.

Speyside Enthusiasts: Individuals who appreciate the typical fruity and slightly smoky profiles of Speyside whiskies will likely enjoy the Cragganmore Distillers Edition.
Whisky Collectors: Collectors looking for whiskies with unique maturation processes or those interested in the nuances of annual vintage releases.
Beginners with a Sweet Tooth: New whisky drinkers who prefer sweeter, fruitier profiles might find this whisky's initial flavors appealing, with the added benefit of experiencing a transition to more complex, oaky notes.