Cragganmore was founded in 1869 by John Smith, who was arguably the most experienced distiller of his day. He constructed the stills used for the second distillation to be shorter than normal and have an unusually flat top giving it a unique distillation. Because Smith was a train fanatic, his distillery was founded on the railway. Smith himself however was too big (140kg) to fit on any passenger carriage.
Tastings from 05/06/12 - SMAC Session #2
Asterisk denotes preference of neat or with water.
NEAT
Tristan *
Nose: Caramel, Warming, Banana Bread, Prunes and a bit of Cloves and even a hint of Bubblegum.
1st: Basic Phenols create a surprising start to this scotch
2nd: As the Phenols die off, you are left with a taste of Orange Peel and Peats, mixed with a pinch of Salt
3rd: Zesty, again with the Orange Peel, but with Bourbon-esque Sweetness
Overall: Really pleasant scotch. It reminds me of calm, cool, Autumn evening on the verandah. It is warming, but not in a 'depth of winter' kind of way. I would purchase and drink this scotch again.
Gavin *
Nose: Prunes, Dates, Butter
1st: Prunes, Citrus, Lemon/Orange Peel
Finish: Oak (Vanilla), very faint Smoke, Sweeter than 1st palate
Dan
Nose: Not particularly strong, Prunish
Palate: Citrus, Smooth
Jono (blocked nose)*
Palate: Moorish, Smooth
Andrew*
Nose: Banana, Bubblegum, Prunes
Palate: Sweet Orange Sponge Cake, Marshmallow
Matthew
Nose: Prune
Palate: Citrus, Smooth
Michael K
Nose: Rounded smell that starts as a Musty Forest Floor. Swirling releases Citrus which is Bitter at first but then Sweetens.
Palate: Hint of Mint, Sharp
Brad*
Nose: Banana, Prunes, Plum
1st: Orange Zest
2nd: Vanilla
Finish: Sweeter
Lucy *
Nose: Prune, Rose
Palate: Orange, Mouth Watering
Meagan
Nose: Berries
Palate: Zesty Orange, Sweet Finish.
Jasmin*
Nose: Cherry, Strawberry, Melon
1st: Sweet
2nd: Watermelon
3rd: Watery
WITH A SPLASH OF WATER
Tristan
Nose: Bubblegums really come out, but also reminds me of a Lemon Cheesecake - slightly Tart but Creamy at the same time. This is complemented by a square of Lindt 85% Dark Chocolate
1st: Light Peats, but nothing overpowering
2nd: The Peats evolve to become a bit stronger, and they are joined by some Salty Olives on the transition to 3rd.
3rd: The peats give way to Fennel and Pepper for a strong finish
Overall: The drop of water makes it smoother overall, but with a very strong heat on the tip of the tongue.
Gavin
Nose: Vanilla, Marzipan, Lemon Cheescake
1st: Spicy, Aniseed, Fennel, Lemon Peel
Finish: Herbs, Zest, Pepper
Dan *
Palate: Light Fennel, Citrus
Jono
Palate: Spicy, Harsher Finish
Andrew
Nose: Roast Tomatoes, Vanilla
Palate: Light Aniseed
Matthew *
Nose: Similar to neat
Palate: Aniseed, Smooth, Mellow
Overall: Favourite of the night
Michael K *
Nose: Chilli Tim Tams, Dark Wood, Spicy Leaves, Herbal
Palate: Soft with a sharp finish. Finish is like Bruschetta with Tomato, Vinegar, Pepper and Onion.
Brad
Nose: Vanilla, Dark Chocolate, Lemon Cheesecake
1st: Aniseed
2nd: Fennel
Finish: Pepper
Lucy
Palate: Fennel, Lemon, Sweet start followed by Coffee aftertaste
Meagan *
Nose: Much Sweeter
Palate: Vanilla, Creme Brule (warmth), Dark Chocolate, Thai Basil, Fennel, Zesty, Long finish
Jasmin
Nose: Vanilla, Orange
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