[55.7%・NAS・Bottled in 2016・Official Bottling・Limited Release]
Nose:
What a gorgeous nose, with its waxy, velvety thickness giving a glimpse to the dram’s seductive body. Stewed fruits with a fine layer of earthy mushrooms that adds to the depth. Creamy toffee swirling and dancing, giving a sense of great pleasure.
Palate & Finish:
Vanilla paste with a stewed fruit infusion providing an initial coating which transforms seamlessly into a clean lager note which in turn evolves into something that’s quite special, a translucent crisp pear cider note paired with a gooey salted caramel note that fluidly elevates the enjoyment.
The finishing is soft, but it gently stretches on, with sprinkles of forrest berries and just a hint of nuttiness.
Thoughts:
The conspiracy theorist in me can’t help but wonder if Diageo is toying with the age-statement-loyalists psychologically by making their annual NAS releases absolutely superb, with the two past Clynelish offerings and now this Cragganmore.. I am not complaining though, this is just a brilliant dram.
☆☆
-Nicholas
