Cragganmore 12 Year

The story of Cragganmore 12 Year Old begins not with a bold announcement, but with a quiet invitation from the Scottish countryside. The nose is a gentle opening chapter, a delicate, aromatic bouquet of heather and wild flowers from a Speyside meadow, its creamy texture promising softness. Beneath this floral greeting, a rustic aroma of stemmy hay and smoked almonds hints at a deeper, more grounded character, while a vibrant fruit salad of apples and pears suggests a spirited sweetness yet to be revealed. ​The narrative unfolds on the palate, where the full, honeyed richness takes center stage. It is a tale of abundance, with the soft, medium-bodied mouthfeel delivering notes of luscious stone fruits, culminating in the distinct warmth of honey and toffee. This sweetness is masterfully balanced by a subtle undercurrent of roasted nuts and a gentle whisper of cinnamon and vanilla, ensuring the dram remains approachable and elegantly composed. The character is a symphony of flavors, each playing its part without vying for dominance, creating an "even-handed" experience that is both simple and profoundly satisfying. ​As the story reaches its conclusion, the finish is an elegant, lingering echo that leaves a lasting impression. The initial warmth of fruit and honey slowly fades, giving way to a delicate wisp of wood smoke and a faint, peppery spice that adds a final layer of complexity. This gentle finale serves as a testament to the whisky's balanced nature, a smooth and satisfying denouement that leaves a desire for the next chapter, solidifying its reputation as a well-regarded, approachable, and truly classic Speyside malt.

Finally time to start cracking into some unopened bottles in the collection before my wife starts counting them. Single malt showdown: Auchentoshan 12, Cragganmore 12 and Nikka Miyagikyo. All tasted in glen cairn glass and rested for about 30 minutes. Next up is Cragganmore (or less): Nose: Honey and mead, not really much else that I could detect. They say the most complex aroma of any malt on the box, which confuses me. If anything it seems like the least complex that I've come across. Palate: Oily and thick mouthfeel. Interestingly it's mostly malty, with some grain and only a hint of honey. No smoke or bitterness that I can detect. There is some complexity here, but it certainly isn't earth-shattering. I think the marketers at Diagio might be sniffing their own farts a little too much with this one. Finish: Short and back to the honey with increasing sweetness. Don't get me wrong, I like the super honey aroma and overall this is a solid if unspectacular dram. I guess I was expecting the nose to make me question my own existence or something with the way they talked it up. Will come back to it in a few months and see if it's turned into anything more than just a bee's wet dream. Final results of the showdown: 1st place: Miyagikyo 2nd place: Auchentoshan 12 3rd place: Cragganmore 12

If you enjoy Johnnie Walker Green Label then you’re in familiar territory with Cragganmore. Johnnie Walker didn’t lie when they stated Cragganmore was their lead malt for Green Label. I would guess Cragganmore makes up a solid 75% or more of that blended malt. Talisker, Linkwood and Caol Ila are hardly even noticeable in JW Green. I honestly don’t understand how so many retailers out there can charge as much as $80 for a bottle of 40% abv Cragganmore 12, while JW Green Label both noses and tastes like Cragg, yet with both a superior 43% abv and a 15 year age statement for only $65. I live in a control state where they have recently discontinued the sale of Cragg 12, and subsequently have heavily discounted it. This was literally the last bottle left in my state’s entire ABC inventory, therefore I felt obligated to purchase it. I will write a proper review of this whisky after I give the bottle time to open up. Mostly, I just wanted to inform the public on how much they’re potentially saving by purchasing a bottle of JW Green instead. I’m sorry, but in my opinion, Cragganmore 12 feels like a complete scam whenever it’s sold at suggested retail price, or worse, at some certain secondary (package store or online) prices. Now I can understand why this single malt sold so poorly here.

Just about through this bottle and I have a couple of bold observations. This is the best 80 proof liquor I've ever had and the best Speyside as well...whammy! Ok as you may know this is a major player in JWG and its clear this is the heart malt. So clean and utterly delicious every Scotch lover should give this a go. Nose is fresh Speyside fruit- sliced juicy apple and Bosch pear alongside rich malt and toasted oak with a wispy smoke. This all carries through the palate with great depth of flavors and quality. The fruity malt is succulent, the wood notes nuanced, the gentle smoke caressing the edges....absolutely brilliant. Long finish of the tasting notes echoing off like Jimmy Page reverb and sustain. I say JP cause this stuff is classic. Its not overly complex but delivers such enjoyment I would be shocked if most don't find this delightful. If you like Scotch and Zeppelin you will like this. Is it overpriced for a Speyside 12 year?....yeah I suppose so in a vacuum but this steps outside of the norms........94/100 ......even at 80 proof this can take water like a champ if you want to experiment. After this I HAVE to get another bottle of JWG

3.5 stars - 200 ml bottle, gift set The bottle reads: “The best of Speyside…an elegant, sophisticated Speyside with the most complex aroma of any malt.” Which is marketing speak for: “Kiss my Cragganass.” Bravado aside, the aroma is excellent and this is surprisingly good. The finish is a little over oaked and slightly astringent. Honey, vanilla, little doses of citrus, smoke, malt. Aroma pairs well with the taste. Clearly well crafted. I am a bit baffled on why this is $70-85 USD a bottle locally. I give an edge to Johnnie Walker Green and Clynelish 14 yr. Both are in this flavor profile, and are a better dram with a lower cost of ownership.

Tasted next to the Alaskan water, in a plastic cup because I'm by the pool Nose - honey, pear Taste - black peppercorns, oak Finish - moderate length, some oak and vegetable flavor and fish sauce? Score - 3.5 Scoring Legend 5.0 - Outstanding, unmatched to others 4.5 - Excellent, I will always keep a bottle in stock if possible 4.0 - Very good, quite enjoyable to drink, can consider as a solid choice 3.5 - Good, would taste again 3.0 - Average 2.5 - Acceptable, still drinkable 2.0 - Inferior, able to drink but not enjoyable 1.5 and below—wouldn’t drink again unless I am desperate