This Cragganmore has been matured in a bourbon hogshead for 15 years and then re-racked into a 1st fill oloroso hogshead for an additional 2 years.
Nose: Golden and dark sugars combine with banana souffle and banana breads. Orange tarts, plums and pecans are joined by a defined meaty character of cooking fats, pan oils and greases. In the background, additional fruitiness pushes forward – reduced black and red hedgerow berries. Water presents fabrics – both wet and dry – leather skins, damp cloth and linen. These sit with tobacco tins and freshly brewed coffee.
Taste: Sweet and meaty throughout. A roast joint stuffed with cranberried and redcurrants and served with raisins spiced with cinnamon and star anise. Spent coffee grounds and cardamon yoghurt are sweetened with a selection of wine gums. Reduction offers additional cask spice – a pinch of pepper together with cayenne, mace and cardamon pods.
Finish: Medium and still with plenty of oily character as the fruits and spices gently fade.
This Cragganmore offers plenty of heady aromats and solid texture – though it fares better at its natural strength of 55.7% ABV – than when taken down a notch or two. Characterful and deep – this could sit either with a dessert or with a meaty main course.