Cragganmore 20 Year Old Diageo Special Release 2020 - 55.8% 70cl

The 2020 Special Releases are an annual collection of limited-edition natural cask strength Scotch whiskies that feature rare and unusual releases from some of Scotland’s most loved distilleries.

A Cragganmore of this age has never been released from the distillery, making this elusive malt a much anticipated expression. In addition sweet and mellow woody notes emerge from this small batch, patiently matured over 20 years in a mix that included new fresh-charred American oak casks.

Cragganmore is a highly respected Speyside malt founded by a giant among distillers, John Smith. The ethereal aromas are among the most complex to be found in any malt, appearing and disappearing mysteriously like the ghostly flight of the Barn Owl as it quarters the wooded Speyside glens at twilight in search of its prey.

Nose: A mellow nose, with quite some prickle. Deeply wooded, the aroma is complex, with fruity top notes of ripe pear, Ogen melon and green banana, then soft leather notes beneath suggest kid gloves, on a faint base of sanded hardwood. In part coming from maturation in new, fresh-charred American Oak, the aromas are sweeter than in regular expressions, yet with savoury undertones. A little water softens the aroma and confirms its Speyside nature.

Palate: At natural strength, again the influence of the long years in wood is felt. The texture is creamy-smooth, while the taste is rich and sweet, though not as sweet as the nose may suggest. That richness is soon delightfully balanced by a drying and savoury mid-palate. A dash of water (recommended) makes the taste even more delicious without altering the primary elements; it is smoother now, the warmth well-controlled.

Finish: Long, velvet-smooth, dry and chili-spiced. With water, smoother and longer; sweet-spicy, still with a lingering and now more mellow chili pepper aftertaste.