48.5% | 70cl | NCF | High/Cask Strength | Speyside
This single malt from Cragganmore is part of Duncan Taylor’s Premium Octave series, which has undergone a second maturation in octave casks to refine the whisky, enhancing its colour, taste, form and character.
The Octave Premium Range was launched in August 2019 showcasing years of maturation expertise in Octave casks, which are about 1/8th the size of a butt and each one creates around 80 to 100 bottles casks.
Founded in 1869 by John Smith, who also ran Glenfarclas at the time, Cragganmore was named after its location at the Craggan Mor hill. The distilling equipment used is rather unusual, flat topped stills with t-shaped lyne arms are used, instead of the more common swan necks.
The distillery uses lightly peated malt, and is known for its fruity, complex, and full-bodied character.
Tasting notes
COLOUR: Copper.
NOSE: Meaty and malty, with strong sherry notes, Christmas spices, sugared almonds, dark chocolate truffles and coffee beans, in the background soft floral notes.
PALATE: More dark chocolate, blood orange, raisins and dates, the fresh oak is quite dry with little sherry sweetness. cinnamon and nutmeg spice, rich in texture.
FINISH: Long and full, chocolate again, and dried fruits still strong with toffee and orange, a modern sherry bomb.
