The Second whisky I am about to review is perhaps the most ‘interesting’ of the range. A smoky Crag’ is not something we normally see, in fact it’s the first time Diageo is releasing such a Cragganmore with this profile… 😉 Nice one. As for cask profile it’s nothing fancy : matured in refill American oak casks.
Cragganmore 12 Year Old (Special Release 2019) , 58.4% , £84.95 (MOM)
Nose: Ah… interesting, the smoke is definitely here… a bonfire amidst pine woods, lemon meringue and a leafy touch to it as well. Waxy lemons, damp warehouses and a sweet pastry with icing sugar. A hint of coastal breeze and mint.
Palate: Smoky and round : very nice mouthfeel . It’s oily, and chewy with more smoke, pepper and ash. Also vegetal at times, with the citrus peel, and bitter oak. Wood spices and butter on burnt toast. very nice.
Finish : ash, oak char, apple peel, bitter orange peel, smoke and fading peat, quite earthy.
Conclusion: A very yummy smoky Cragganmore profile, which is indeed a breath of fresh air in the Diageo range. Recommended.
Score: 89/100
Still available online on many sites including Master of Malt , be quick and get one.. They are bound to sell well.