Cragganmore Distillers Edition

In Ohio, these state-run liquor stores sometimes sell off undesirable whiskey. I acquired this for around 35 bucks without prior research due to the low cost. It appears heavily colored and has a disappointingly low 40% ABV. Nose - I detect plum or dark berry, honey, and perhaps some armagnac notes, possibly influenced by a drink I had earlier. Taste - Vanilla, honey, baking spice, followed by a slightly savory note on the finish. Surprisingly, this is quite good, even very good. The mouthfeel is poor, the ABV is a joke, and the coloring is bothersome. However, it's a very approachable, straightforward, and flavorful whiskey. This is suitable for newcomers to scotch or whiskey. For experienced drinkers, it's a pleasant choice for later in the evening or as an initial pour that won't overwhelm your palate. 1.75 liters - I consider this a high price, but the product is decent. At a retail price of $80-100, absolutely not.

The server approached my table, and I requested Crown Royal. In France, she gave me a look and seemed to indicate something like 'Crown Royal.' She returned with a fine dram, but it tasted different. I detected something between Dalwhinnie 15, G. Rozelieures Rare, and Kavalan Port Finish. I could taste continental oak and wine cask flavors, a mild spice, some caramel, and chocolate creaminess, finishing with an elegant dryness hinting at peat and sherry. At one point, I even noticed lychee. However, Dalwhinnie, Kavalan, and G. Rozelieures achieve these flavors more effectively. It's certainly delicious, but I recall Crown Royal having more of that strength and funkiness; it's gone, leaving only malt. I later realized the server had mistakenly given me Cragganmore Distillers Edition, causing embarrassment for both of us. The next day, I tried Cragganmore 12 Years and fell in love; it's much better!

The characteristic intense gold (and artificial) color of Cragganmore, the label is noteworthy, ornate yet elegant. The aroma is met with a gentle sweetness, of red fruit and a hint of raisins, almost a sherry-like note combined with the Port. Not overly complex but impactful. The fruit dominates the palate as it did the nose (specifically, cherry, raspberries, a touch of apple, and more raisins), though its sweetness is drier with a bitter edge. A peppery note joins in, making the overall experience somewhat inconsistent: the elegance of the Cragganmore 12 seems disrupted by this finish (unspecified duration) in Port wine, which in my opinion doesn't do this whisky justice (at least in this vintage). Medium finish, dry and sweet.

Some industry experts dislike when their product is called “smooth,” but that’s the initial descriptor that comes to mind when consuming this. It truly goes down like warm honey, with a lengthy aftertaste that is precisely the right sweetness. The nose is not very pronounced, and one must search diligently for any hint of peat, but it satisfies as an accessible dram. If you are seeking something comparable to a session whisky, this is a solid option.

I'm rating this a three, but it could be a four depending on my mood. It's rather complex. The aroma is very nutty, with fruitcake and almonds being most prominent. The palate is spicy and tropical, with banana and orange appearing on the tongue. The finish is wine-like, clearly from the port influence, and quite long. I believe my issue with this bottling is how unbalanced it can sometimes seem. It's wild. Still, it's worth exploring.

CRAGGANMORE 2005 12YO DISTILLERS EDITION 40% - SECOND ATTEMPT - Fruity, pleasantly sweet, with vanilla and a playful floral honey note (3/5). Sweetness, light toasted honey bread, a little pepper, oak, and a dry bitterness at the end (1.75/5). Short finish with oak (1/5). 1.75/5 CRAGGANMORE 2005 12YO DISTILLERS EDITION 40% Cotton candy, smooth sweetness, and a leathery quality (2.75/5). Bland, with light pear, delicate, and a slight peppery taste (2/5). Pear-like (2/5). 2/5