Cragganmore Distillers Edition (2009/2021 CggD-6573)

Blair Athol Distillery, Thursday, April 25th 2024. Whisky #4 Nose: Pears simmered in white port, cooked red apples, red berries, black tea, clotted cream, sauternes. Abundant orchard fruits and white wine notes. Taste: The initial impression is sweet, blending fortified wine and malt. A subtle hint of smoke emerges during the experience, which otherwise closely mirrors the initial taste. The texture is rich, but the palate lacks development and is significantly less fruity than the aroma suggests. Notes of black tea, dark chocolate, and nuts appear near the finish but are subtle and understated. Finish: Medium/Short. Fruity, but dry, with walnuts and overly brewed tea in the aftertaste. Despite some criticism, I enjoyed it – however, it's at best an above-average expression. The most intriguing aspect is the minimal port wine influence. I suspect they use ex-tawny pipes, meaning the finishing period is likely quite brief. They might also reuse the pipes, which would explain the subdued impact. “Above Average”: 82/100 (3.25 stars)