Stop number 2 on the SDT is Cragganmore. This 12 year old Speysider is matured exclusively in ex-bourbon barrels, and is 40% ABV. It is unfortunately chill filtered and has colorant added that brings it to a dark amber. The nose is more lively that I was expecting. I dove right into this one the first few drams and didn't give it time to breathe. I was surprised by a distinct strawberry lozenge aroma. I've been battling a cold for the past few days so I know what I'm talking about (and before you accuse me of being influenced by the actual lozenges I used, I had the whisky the night before I started on the lozenges). Tonight I let the whisky sit for about 10 minutes and the strawberries were quite subdued. Strong citrusy lemon peel and honey. Oranges, apricot and light dried pineapple. It's turns floral with more honey. Very light oak with toffee, cinnamon and nutmeg. Also some almond/marzipan. After a while a bit of strawberry lemonade finishes it off. If the HP12 was unpeated I would think it would smell like this. Crisp and citrusy on the palate with a light peppery punch. Lemon and honey. Somewhat malty and grainy with a hint of oak. A very good way to wake up your senses without ruining them for any further tastings. The mouthfeel is medium bodied and creamy. Fairly dry. The finish is medium length and dry, but not overly so. Citrusy with peppery oak. I have to say I was very skeptical going into this one because of it being only 40%, but I have to say I don't think it needs to be any stronger. Cragganmore is the embodiment of Speyside. Fruity and floral. I think of it as a more assertive and powerful Glenmorangie 10 YO. It is what it is and doesn't need to be finished in exotic casks to enhance its flavor. I do feel that if it was composed of 15-20% sherry matured whisky it might help, but it might also ruin it. A natural presentation would have improved its score but not by much. I bought a 1L bottle from duty free and I think it cost me $40-45 and at that price it's a great value. 3.75 but I could easily be swayed to a full 4.