Scotch

Cragganmore Single Malt Whisky (2016) Review

The only whisky in this year’s collection without an age statement, Cragganmore is a vatting of three cask types “chosen for flavor alone,” according to press materials.  They include both refill & rejuvenated American Oak hogsheads and ex-bodega European Oak butts.  Like the rest of the collection, Cragganmore is bottled at cask strength, or 55.7% abv in this case and retails for $600.  This marks the Speyside distillery’s sixth appearance in the Special Releases series.  How is it?

The nose has a fresh citrus quality, almost like freshly sliced tangerines. Hints of graham cracker, cinnamon sticks, honey and mint ice cream help round out the aromas. The palate starts sweet and quickly turns dry. Honey and spice cake at first. The citrus from the nose is also here, as well as light touch of brine. Things turn when chardonnay develops mid-palate, along with a touch of herbs. Oak tannins take hold going into the finish, as honey and herbs emerge. 

Cragganmore is a nicely crafted NAS whisky, but I just wasn’t blown away by it. 7/10

Cambus 40-Year-Old Single Grain Whisky (2016) Review

The only single grain whisky in this year’s Diageo Special Releases, Cambus 40-year is truly a rarity.  The Lowland distillery has been closed for years, so we don’t get to see its whiskies a lot.  Something else to consider – Cambus 40 is only thr third single grain release since the Special Releases collection started.  This particular bottling was distilled in 1975 and matured in refill American oak hogsheads.  It is presented at a cask strength of 52.7% and retails for $1,150.

I thoroughly enjoyed 2015’s The Cally single grain 40-year-old release. How does Cambus 40 compare? 

 The nose suggests a sweet and creamy whisky, with hints of cream soda, vanilla pod, orange sherbert and a touch of sweet grain. The palate surprises with a big grassy note that develops into peaches in syrup, white pepper, vanilla, orange zest, and oak spice. Some light oak tannins start to cut short the otherwise creamy mouthfeel of this whisky. The finish is warm and clean, leaving behind bittersweet grain and slight herbs, alongside a hint of light toffee.

Overall an elegant whisky, though I slightly preferred the Cally 40 year. 8.5/10

Thanks to Diageo for the sample.  As always, all thoughts and opinions are my own.

Lagavulin 12-Year-Old Single Malt Whisky (2016) Review

Ah, Lagavulin 12-year-old.  One of my favorite Islay distilleries.  This 2016 edition marks its 14th appearance in Diageo’s Special Releases series.  It bottling has matured in refill American oak hogsheads for at least 12 years, and has been bottled at 57.7% abv.  Lagavulin 12 year retails for about $135.  The 2015 release of Lagavulin 12 year was big and powerful, and this one continues the trend.

This particular release finds lemon custard, freshly baked bread, and seaweed on the nose. Oh yeah, did I mention the signature Lagavulin campfire smoke? It’s here in spades. The palate closely follows the nose for the most part. The smoke builds as waves of toffee, vanilla pudding and lemon rind add a nice counterbalance. Hints of fresh basil and seaweed appear mid-palate. The finish is long and warming, with sweet smoke and oak spice. 

 A mighty Lagavulin! 8/10

Thanks to Diageo for the sample.  As always, all thoughts and opinions are my own.