Cragganmore 12yr 40% abv Appalachian mountains. Topping a rise on a warm early fall afternoon. The dry grass crunches underfoot as you stare off at the mountains undulating in all directions around you. The sky caresses the mountain tops with that hazy light blue reminiscent of summer losing its grip to fall. The sweat glistens on your brow and neck. You are hedged in on each side; apple trees on your left and pears on your right. The intense aroma of ripe and over ripe fruit hangs heavy in the slightly humid air. You stroll along reaching the barn. There a press is busy releasing the gathered fruits of their sweet nectar. Jars of apple butter and pear preserves line the shelves as more fruit is cooked nearby for the next batch. Pies bake in the oven and the aroma of the buttery crusts mingled with baking spices waft by. All this sets the stage for a glass of Cragganmore! Nose: apples and pears oh my. Williams brandy and pressed apples. A hint of waxiness, pie crust, ginger, all spice, apple butter, and a tinge of lemon peel. Palate: the nose does not exactly betray the palate. Instead of a buffet of orchard fruits you are treated to a crisp malt funk as the main course decorated with baked pears and candied ginger. Lemon zest and chalky mineral notes. There’s a nice little tingle of barrel spice as the malt transitions to the finish of creamy vanilla and notes of bourbon barrel. A sweet touch of tobacco leaf and oak sour round out the lingering finish. Cragganmore 12yr is a very under appreciated malt and not what you typically think of Speyside (sherry). Just clean bracing malt. It almost puts you more in the mind of a Highland. Don’t pass the chance to try this beautiful example of a Single Malt. Even at 80 proof, it’s just beautiful...just like an early fall stroll through a mountain orchard. Sláinte!