Cragganmore The Distillers Edition 14 Years Old 1993

This official Cragganmore, a 14 year old, from 1993, cask CggD-6559, at 40%. Cragganmore, on the River Spey at Ballindalloch, is the heart malt of the Old Parr blend. It is often called one of the most complex of all the Speyside malts.

It was made in copper stills whose flat tops build a complex make, to build a complex, savoury, fragrant character. A Port cask finish wrapped the malt in plum and red berry, the Distillers Edition style. By the integrating teens congeners fade and esters build, the complex, fragrant spirit growing rounder. The meaty, fragrant make rewards a long, patient maturation. The distillery was founded in 1869 by John Smith, the most experienced distiller of his day, who had run Macallan, Glenlivet and Glenfarclas. The flat topped stills build a complexity that long maturation only deepens.

At 40% it is smooth and honeyed. Apple, dried fruit and a meaty edge, with plum, red berry and chocolate from the cask. The texture is full and complex, the fruit lifted by a meaty malt. A full, malty finish ends on dried fruit and a warm spice. This is a fragrant Speyside single malt of real depth.