Cragganmore 12 yr Old Single Malt Scotch Review

Cragganmore 12 yr old
Speyside single malt scotch is whisky distilled in and around the River Spey, within the Moray, Strathspey and Badenoch regions of Scotland.

Speyside scotch can in general terms be distinguished from Islay scotch whisky on the basis of an absence of peat or at most a minimal amount of it. Speyside scotches are generally non-peaty, sometimes sweet and full of smoke. Cragganmore 12 yr old is a classic example of all that is wonderful in a Speyside scotch.

Serving Suggestion
Add half a teaspoon of distilled or spring water to a shot of this very fine scotch. The water makes the flavors richer, sweeter and the spiciness on the finish to soar.

Nose
Beautiful nose. Incredible! Flowers, baked bread and the twinkle or zing of heather upon one’s nose in a most wonderful fashion. This one of very few that claim to have a complex nose.

Palate
On entry, malt, honey and marzipan. Moves quickly to smoke with a beautiful sweetness through out. A tapestry of rich, smokey flavors, perfectly in balance, woven such that there are no unsightly seams. Truly heaven sent.

Finish
Burnt toast, cinnamon, brown sugar and sea spray woven most intricately with wisps of smoke and gentle spices linger considerably upon the palate. Wow! Having drunk this, I know I am in the presence of greatness!



General Impressions
This is smooth, refined, sophisticated and wonderful beyond its’ mere 12 years of aging. I’d put this up against many 18 yr old single malts, and Cragganmore would come out on top hands down! Pretty much a total absence of peat flavors. If you dislike peaty scotch, then you will love Cragganmore 12 yr old.

If you are a Johnnie Walker Green Label fan, this is the single malt answer to that fine blend. Cragganmore, along with Linkwood, Talisker and Caol Ila form the core of Green Label.  If you like one, you will definitely enjoy the other. 

I never truly understood the meaning of the term “complexity” with respect to scotch tastings until I tried Cragganmore 12 years old.  An impressive tapestry of flavors to consider.

Cheers!


Jason Debly

© Jason Debly, 2009-Present. All rights reserved.

Old Pulteney 12 yr old - Single Malt Scotch Review

Much Public Acclaim

I bought a bottle of Old Pulteney 12 yr single malt Scotch tonight because I had read a lot of positive comments about it on a couple of whiskey website forums that I participate on. Moreover, Jim Murray, whisky authority, wrote that this whisky is "unashamedly excellent and deserves so much more recognition around the world." I had to decide for myself whether or not this single malt scotch is deserving of such praise.

Nose (undiluted)
Briny maritime air, restrained sweetness, rainfall, damp evening lakeside air, soft wood smoke, smooth peat.

Palate (undiluted)
Salty taste of the foaming sea, lemon rind, rosewood, a hint of Ocean Spray Cranberry Cocktail, faint oak.

Finish (undiluted)
Short but interesting. Notes of bacon, mackerel, kippers but rhubarb too, ginger and lemon again.

General Impressions

The lasting impression of drinking this is that of sea water. Just not very interesting. Simple in a word. It may be somewhat intriguing for some in terms of this sea salt based flavor profile which finishes with some lemon and a cleansing saline zest.  Not what I would call a complex single malt. This whisky is decent and reminds me of what comes out of Scapa.   Frequently on sale and that is when you want to grab it.

In terms of the praise for this scotch, it is not deserved, and I think Mr. Murray was given to a little hyperbole when he described this whisky as "unashamedly excellent." It's 'good' but not 'excellent.'  The flavors offered up are different than what is encountered in most other single malts, but, as I said above, the problem is that it is not complex and at times one thinks they are just drinking salt water out of the bottom of a beached boat.

P.S.  While I am not a huge fan of this single malt, one of my regular readers is.  Adam's positive review is available by clicking here. 

© Jason Debly, 2009-Present. All rights reserved.