whisky review 269 - Cragganmore 12yo (Speyside Region)

. . . a typical, and decent quality Speyside Malt featuring fruit/floral complexity.

[@fairchildj2]

Fascinating series Ralfy! Keep up the great reviews and fresh information. You've turned me into a much more discerning whisky drinker, and I really appreciate it!

[@WannabeMonkey]

one of the best episode , very informative. continue with your good thoughts and uplifting opinion .

[@HorustheAvenger]

Really enjoying this series! Thanks for all the knowledge and experience that you share. I've just started on my whiskey journey and having this as a resource makes it much easier to muddle through this crazy world of whiskey. Good (whiskey) stuff Ralfy!

[@Battlechadd]

Thanks so much for this review! I plan on going to rather extreme lengths to obtain this malt, as it is rather hard to find where I live in the states. I'm excited to add it to my collection.

[@Jungle6900]

hey Ralfy!! Jeff here from Rockland Ontario! picked up a 20 cl bottle of Cragganmore for 22$ this afternoon in hopes that I could enjoy the first few sips to one of your awesome vids, and low and behold you have outdone yourself again! Cheers whiskey buddy!!

[@rspach]

The reviews (the regional "crash courses" in particular) are incredibly informative. Thanks so much, Ralfy. Cheers!

[@WoodshavenPatriot]

This video is an oldie but a goodie. Great information for the malt enthusiast. You have consistently carried the mantle of holding distillers accountable for the modernization of their product. Chill filtering and colorant is something I didn't know about before watching your work. Other reviewers do not discuss these facts in such detail. Hopefully, distillers will recognize the potential sales impact of enthusiasts and reverse these business decisions at some point. The unfortunate reality is that their target market is the masses and not the malt mates around the world.

[@sevearka]

I recently reviewed this myself. It was my first review and I'm relatively new to really trying to taste the whiskey. I'm rather proud to have noticed largely the same things as yourself. Thank you for a great and informative review!

[@ms381]

Just picked up a 1997, cask strength 58,5% craggenmore, straight from the cask into a nice sample bottle, cant wait to try this. One thing i noticed from the video is the colour, definately caramel added to that one. This bottle i have from the cask is exremley light in colour. Will let u know how it tastes, soon i hope :)

[@MegaKrashman]

Ralfy, big fan of your whisky vlogs! Looking forward to going on the rest of the tour with you. PS thumbs up on lengthening your vids. Cheers from Miami, FL.

[@fasterischead]

Cragganmore is lovely, and it absolutely nails that floral complexity which (for me) is about as close to a "Speyside signature" as there is. But it's all about the little hints and suggestions of flavor, and those are quite noticeable in well-presented indie bottlings but tend to get a little lost in Diageo's "processing." I had a Signatory bottling (46%, etc.) of about the same age that hit your 87, but I'd only give the standard 12yo here about an 84...

[@GrossoWhisky]

Yes, great adds. I think Aberlour a'Bunadh is going to be my next bottle. But it will be more expensive then the other I mentioned. And I will store it for the fall and the winter. I'm extremely curious about it.

[@christopher6crawford]

Good stuff Ralfy. I like how you can't stop smacking your lips on the aftertastes. Your review on Oban 14 years was spot on and the Ardbeg 10 years old was a great review. The bit where you take the last sip, say "sea water", choke and then burst out laughing was a quality moment.

[@shuboy05]

It's most likely bourbon refill casks since Ralfy mentioned vanilla and honey. Those two notes I find often in bourbon cask matured whisky.

[@shuboy05]

Three. Springbank restored Glengyle a decade ago and are now releasing whisky under the name Kilkerran. Glen Scotia is the third. Also keep in mind the Lowlands still have a region even though there are only three working malt distilleries there (and more grain distilleries too). Which is why I feel Campbelltown deserves to keep their region.

[@JasonDebly]

Respectfully, I enjoy the very light flavors of Cragganmore and actually delight in the fact that it is not at a higher ABV. They style of this whisky is light floral and fruit driven. Higher ABV would mess with the delicate notes of this great malt. Cheers!

[@TheRobertdavie]

Wonderful vlog, keep on them about that non chillfiltered process and the e150A dye. Thanks!

[@MrKinaidos]

I'd highlight that he's said that not all chill filtration is the same. It's one thing to chill the whisky a bit to eliminate turbidity at bottle proof. It's another to nearly freeze it in order to filter out congeners from rushed distillation or furniture flavors from cheap cask management.

[@bogliwan]

I find the e150 issue curious. It's added to make you think the whisky will be better because it's darker but as consumers are more aware of it it has the opposite effect. Now when I look at a pale whisky I think oh good, it looks more natural and I'm more inclined to buy it.

[@Polyfusia]

Was wondering when you'd review this one. Thanks for the upload

[@deinfluencing]

Just finished my 200ml of this. When adding water you can see very few (if any) swirls of the oils and water separating.

[@onepunchnz]

Thanks Ralfy. Seeing that you have the map and the pointer, is there any chance that you can point out the location of the proposed new Adelphi distillery, for the geographically challenged amongst us?

[@Tylervrooman]

Another episode of Ralfy TV!!!! One of my favorite shows!!!

[@ScotchCInema]

Hey Ralfy. I added this review to one of my Cragganmore sightings over at Scotch Cinema. Thanks! -Curtis

[@ghiadetomaso1642]

Cool very cool fruity stuff, i love it more than Glenmorangie, so if you have only 1 bottle to serve to friends this will be some nice bottle to own and share :)

[@cabosantamaria]

Caramel castration!!!!like that!!! Brilliant. Tnks Ralfy. Greetings from Madrid.

[@schlml]

I tasted this alongside with my Benromach Organic 7yrs. I found the younger, craft presentation to be way more interesting, especially on the nose with the use of new oak. And of course, no caramel castration... Do you what kind of casks they use for Cragganmore? Bourbon refill?

[@w0033944]

I was also waiting for it. It's been too long since I had a bottle of Cragganmore.

[@shuboy05]

To me, young Bowmore tends to really hard to drink. Considering the glowing reviews for older bottlings, I have a feeling Bowmore needs more time in the cask.

[@GrossoWhisky]

I'm not Ralfy, but I believe I've watched all his reviews, and I tried something by myself. Talking about non-chill filtered single malts, I reccomend you a Bruichladdich Laddie Ten (classic low peat), a Bruichladdich Organic Multivintage (green apple and crème brulé), an Ardbeg 10y.o. (peat, delicious tyres dying among the fire burning) and Laphroaig Quarter Cask (that world). I don't know where are you, but in Italy you manage to find those drams at a similar range of price (36 to 43 €).

[@glytch5]

The question I have been asking my self is, as you stated this would was better bottled at 40% because it holds its flavor very well. Why do distilleries do this? Do they bottle low just because the whisky is more watered down, so that they can fill more bottles with one cask if it has been watered down?

[@MrJoris0123]

This is the first time I see you reviewing a whisky that I actually have in the shelf, before you reviewed it! I can only agree with your tasting notes, allthough I'm not that enthousiastic about this whisky... Looking forward to Lowlands, I know nothing of that! Greetings

[@keeferooni]

This may be heresy to some, or not, but the first thing that came to mind when I tried this was Highland Park 18. Sweet and cinnamon, but without the slight smokiness of the HP. A good one and a great alternative to The Macallan.

[@JLMONTILLA2008]

Would love a re-review of this ralfy. Love your reviews so far..

[@chrish12345]

'The Campbelltowns' used to (still does sometimes) get their own region I think - there used to be loads of distilleries there, now there's just the 2.

[@shuboy05]

Morrison Bowmore has a line called McClelland's that also represent the Scotch regions. Each are rather young however (like under 10 years). The bottles don't state the distillery but the Islay bottling is definitely Bowmore, Lowlands is Auchentoshen, and Highlands Glen Garioch. They are all owned by Morrison Bowmore so the logic is easy.

[@athrack]

Hello Ralfy. Recently picked up a bottle of Duncan Taylor Cragganmore 14yo at 46% non chill-filtered no caramel and it is exellent! Have you tried it? if not, keep an eye out!

[@Wayfarer8]

Hello, Speyside - is a Land around the river Spey, and a tributary area around it.

[@rajTrondhjem10]

Ralfy.. can you review the El Dorado Special Reserve 15 years old Rum sometime...? I happened to try it out last night and it was amazingly complex and engaging!

[@chrish12345]

Thanks, and as someone mentioned there's 3 distilleries there now.

[@chhr25]

Ralfy, Help me understand something. Selectively knocking off points here and there for caramel and chill-filtering on this one, while closing eyes to similar faults of others, such as in the low intensity seen from the Pulteney 12y (from its caramel and low strength). I haven't know of a fellow until now who'd prefer OP12 to C12.

[@FMichael1970]

Hey Ralfy - what's the chance of you reviewing the Glenkinchie 12 yr for your Lowland malt?

[@barcelonanose6253]

I first had Cragganmore in 1995, then not again until 2010. It seemed to lose a lot of body and depth in the interval. What kind of whiskey do you think the Doctor would drink?

[@moberlym]

Ralfy, without having to go and read all the bottles out there, what are some of the better non-chill filtered whisky's available?

[@shuboy05]

I've recently noticed Dave Broom's book (World Atlas of Whisky) puts Ardmore, Glendronach, Knockdhu, and Glenglassaugh in the Highlands category rather than Speyside. Is this disagreement common?

[@GoldenSuit]

Jura is not a region. its an island off the west coast of the Kintyre peninsula. It is technicaly classed under the ''highland region'' or if you like the ''island region''. Although i dont think the islands are technically recognised as there own region, but some people like to seperate them.

[@OtherworldJudge89]

Do they actually add any fruit or spices etc to the malting/distilation/aging process of whiskies to give you those tastes and notes? Or is it more coincidence?

[@FMichael1970]

Another wonderful video - thanks again Ralfy!

[@rkostyantyn]

Hi! Today I saw in the store four types of Hamilton's Regional Malt Scotch Whisky, which represent different regions of whisky. The price for this stuff is very low: about $ 15 per bottle. Is it worth to try for the beginner? Or it's better to look at something more serious?

[@andrewbirrell5590]

tasted this for the first time last year really enjoyed it

[@SubbaRao2100]

Enjoyed the show, thank you Ralfy.

[@soundpitchblack]

Hi Ralfy, Im from Puerto Rico and love the videos!!! Recenrly a freind of mine gave me a bottle of Captain burn's Finest island malt 12yr Distilled at isle of jura Do you know anything about it? Thank you and cheers!!!

[@Wayfarer8]

Hello, Ralfy. What could You say about the single malt whisky Stronachie 12 (Benrinnes)? Is it decent?

[@BrothuhV84]

Agreed 100% about the chill-filtering, Ralfy, and the addition of E-150. I've seen too many fine whiskys get there wings cliped by the status quo of the whisky industry. It's a shame and it must stop if they want to preserve the bright future of single malt scotch whisky.

[@Rage2177]

Ok so im pretty new to this... most of the bars around here dont carry anything special and the liquor stores its nearly the same story. Do you recommend ordering off the Internet?

[@OnizukaGTO]

You know what fate is like? Fate is watching your video Ralfy and suddenly my mate calling me from the duty free at airport asking if i want anything. Curiously i asked for cragganmore and it was there! I was a little worried about my choice since i only hit half way on this video, but i'm glad with your review! really stoked to try it now! cheers ralfy! :D

[@thewhiskybothy]

. . . hope it works for you malt-mate !

[@TheSummerOfGeorge1]

I'm really new to Whiskies, can you tell me which don't have caramel, since you mention it often as an annoyance? I don't see it listed on the packaging or bottles, so it's hard for me to know which don't use caramel.

[@btg73]

The malty mystic of speyside

[@hazelhazelton1346]

Cragganmore was my first single malt, and an altogether good experience. Had my first been Talisker, it would also have been my last.

[@Tylervrooman]

ralfy... how about signatory bottling's of this... non- chill filtered cask strength ?

[@timmystauffer9094]

Any thoughts on the Shieldaig Speyside line?

[@4ll4nb31l]

At 8:18 did he say the brown eye or dye?

[@shuboy05]

I have a sneaking suspicion the Lowlands review will be Glenkinchie. Especially since he's already reviewed an Auchentoshen and Bladnoch.

[@Retinus]

Ralfy, My Lord! Did you use the word "smooth"? (1:11)

[@Equity213]

Ive got a bottle of McClellands Islay. Its pretty undrinkable in my opinion. Its got pine, pine, and more pine. Hey if u like the thought of drinking an old christmas tree then go for it, but not for me lol.

[@bpayne88]

Are you a professor? You give spectacular lectures.

[@touretul]

I've got that, but I was wondering if it really means something. I believe somebody said that there is a river called Spey. I was looking in the dictionary for the word "spey" and I didn't find anything.

[@georgetfzhang]

any chance of doing a re-review of this one?

[@thewhiskybothy]

. . . probably next year, and a re-review is overdue !

[@notme123123]

It's the area on the sides of the river Spey

[@rkostyantyn]

I'm searching cragganmore-like whisky with more rich flavour and craft presentation. What should I consider for tasting?)

[@21380]

Ursus_Maritimus try Speyburn

[@DavidUKesb]

Hi Ralfy. I notice you haven't marked Jura on your map

[@davidsilas]

Hi Ralfy, Would you happen to know which Speyside distillery sourced the Ian Macleod, The Cigar Malt 1993 - (d=5.May 1993, b.November 2014, First fill Oloroso Sherry Butt matured 50.8% Vol)

[@thewhiskybothy]

. . . no idea ! possibly Glenfarclas !

[@chrish12345]

ok sorry about that, I wish there were more than 3 Campbelltowns these days

[@NickLightingale]

Hmmmm, Glenkinchie next then Ralf? You've done Auchie and Bladnoch..... and we all know you wouldn't dare think of throwing a curveball and review a Rosebank or Littlemill- would you?

[@digboston]

Hey Ralfy! Where on this map would we find the Speyburn Distillery? I noticed on my bottle of 10 year old that it says both Highland and Speyside.

[@thewhiskybothy]

digboston . . . check out the Malt Maniacs interactive map at whiskyfun.com

[@fieserjanosch]

Speyside is just a special part of the highlands for maltmaniacs :) but is regional situated in the highlands!

[@Zmanmodelrailroads]

Agreed, this is above average whisky. It tastes good but there is something artificial in the aftertaste or else I would rate it higher.

[@jackasswhiskyandpintobeans9344]

Recently bought an Old Master's cask strength(61 abv) of Cragganmore. Am I in store for a flavor explosion?

[@Rage2177]

Ah good, thanks for the advice. Also, love the videos!

[@francisd2386]

What's the best buy in your opinion ? This or Aberlour 12 (standard, 40% ABV bottling)

[@thewhiskybothy]

+Francis Ducharme . . . 50/50 on this, for me, Aberlour 12 at the moment.

[@francisd2386]

Thanks! That's exactly what I just bought. Have not opened it yet, but the last bottle of it I bought a while ago told me I need to buy another one before not too long. I really like the bourbon/sherry play here, it's not just prune juice.

[@ATolsk1]

Lowland - Glenkinchie 12 Campbeltown - Longrow CV Island - Isle of Jura Superstition Islay - Laphroaig 10 That's my guess..

[@TheRobertdavie]

Don't forget Abelour a'bunadh and anCnoc 16 yr old. These are Ralfy recommended.

[@andeace23]

This stuff dances on your tongue, I was quite shocked when he said it was chill filtered.

[@cassius969]

How can you taste coloring in whisky if you cant taste it in water?

[@SirTrollingham]

I'm going to go on a limb and say that there's a lot more going on in whisky than in water in terms of flavor. I wouldn't be surprised if the alcohol also has to do with it.

[@alexk3088]

I don't think e150a is sweet. I believe it's bitter, like burnt sugar. Think cotton candy. But without any residual sweetness. How can that nasty flavor not taint a spirit?

[@ljp1942]

Wish i had a bottle of this.

[@chrish12345]

This really is so watery, it would be nice if they could match these high prices they are charging now with just a bit of customer recognition - this really does need to be at 46% surely?

[@Five11street]

Am I really the only person to notice the Dalek and Cyberman in the background?

[@touretul]

what does speyside mean?

[@BennettIsAmazing]

Me too!

[@soundpitchblack]

Sorry for the mispelling, phone keyboard is not the best way to write a post!

[@ShlisaShell]

♥

[@cato451]

Lochnagar please

[@Dotsirammi]

Great,5 drinks from Finland;)

[@alaack47]

break out some tequila on saturday (cinco de mayo)!

[@BolgOfTheNorth]

How is it that you reeled off all those different flavours yet you neglected to mention anything about the obvious peat influence with Cragganmore?

[@alexk3088]

I do detect pronounced peat. Not dominant, but definite, to the tune of JW Black or White Horse. Just like I feel it in Glenkinchie 12. Everyone has different odor and taste thresholds. Cragganmore drinks like JW Black without the grain whisky components, to me :-)

[@ridercanada1]

An intolerant Scot...you're not that old yet!!

[@mu99ins]

The use of the term " castration" made me wince even though I consider myself robust of mind and body and willing to consider, or endure, the most challenging of concepts or situations. I am hoping that this term, as used in this lesson, is not pervasive in the world of whisky, and is but an experimental jargon that will not grow roots and become established, so that every time somebody talks about single malt whisky the damn word is willfully used for it's negative effects by rascals.