Cragganmore (2016 Special Release)

Nose - Explosion of fruit, dried apricots/peaches, golden raisins, candied ginger, orange, candied habanero (w/ water) Same, but more vibrant Taste - Intense blast of fruit, dried apple rings, fresh apple, hint of salt, dried apricots, hint of metallic sulfur like that of some dried fruit, orange, candied ginger (w/ water) Metallic notes are a bit subdued, less sulfuric too, more balanced, but a bit more drying Finish - Lingering sharp fruity sweetness, light habanero tingle/warmth, hint of flamed orange zest (w/ water) Same Score - 89/100 Final Thoughts - So the nose on this one is absolutely amazing, super fruity and reminds me of summer. Great mix of fresh & dried fruits (apples/apricots/peaches/nectarines) with a hint of golden raisin sharp sweetness. Bit of an off putting metallic/sulfuric note that I only really get from super syrupy sweet dried fruits but it's tolerable. Water really helps remove this metallic vibe quite a bit. Great summery vibes on this one all around. Would I drink it if offered? - Yes Would I specifically order it? - Maybe Would I buy a bottle? - Not at what it's priced at, maybe at the sub $200 range NOTE - All reviews are done without factoring in price.

Been reviewing all these americans lately, time to get back to the good good! Nose - apple, vanilla, custard, very nicely done light oak toast, berry's, orchard fruits, and just classic scotch from this region with a focus on sweet and balanced. Taste - Just an explosion of flavor with apples, pears, vanilla, oak tannins, European oak spices, nutmeg, toffee, dare I say all spice, and old leathery oak. The richness and complexity at all steps of the way here is amazing. But lets add water. Water lightens the sweetness up front, showcases all that spicy european and bodega casks and then the finish hits yo with this hard shift to baking spices and mellow oak and pastry crust. There's sherry here for sure but better bourbon casks I think. It's amazing use of recharted oak and a mix of young and older whisky. This is the 3rd time I'm coming back to this seriously judging it and I've poured it for 3 friends and send samples out to another. I'm loving this whisky as I seem to love EVERY diageo NAS over priced offering. I kinda hate myself for that, but darn it, their NAS stuff is really good. Anyway the abv and body so insanely rich and mouth coating. You do get some youth as there's some 15 or younger whisky in here and on a damn 600++ retail bottle I can see people being upset, but so well done. So complex. 4.25. I really like this bottle and I'd buy more at the 400 I paid. I'm really happy with this one. Thank you for the clearance price.

Very good whisky. Notes of green apples and honey to the nose, with a peppery palate. Body is oily and water really opens this expression up. Great stuff!

distillery only release cask strength 9/10