700ml

88/100 Whisky Base

Limited to 4,932 bottles, this is Cragganmore's sixth appearance in Diageo's annual Special Releases. The only no age statement whisky from 2016's releases, it was matured in American oak hogsheads (some refill and some rejuvenated casks) as well as European oak ex-Sherry butts.

Nose - Thick and fruity with Liquorice Allsorts and pineapple Turkish delight dancing above vanilla and hints of sandalwood.

Palate - Spicy rhubarb and other stewed fruits, clove, a touch of treacle, cocoa and winter spices.

Finish - Long with more of the same thick fruit as well as some fresh cardamom.

The Cragganmore distillery was founded in 1869 by John Smith, who managed The Macallan and The Glenlivet distilleries. Sited close by the main Speyside railway line and in close proximity to the elegant River Spey, the Cragganmore whisky distillery draws its water from the mineral-rich Craggan Burn, which tumbles down its namesake, the Craggan More hill. Of the 1.52 million litres the distillery produces annually, the majority is used for blending, for blenders have always revered the spirit.