It sounds like a medieval Scottish invocation, doesn't it? My imagination is running away with itself even saying it aloud. In reality, it's a Speyside single malt whisky, aged 12 years in what must be ex-bourbon casks (no sherry notes detected), and bottled at 40% ABV.
Whisky demigod Michael Jackson once said of Cragganmore 12, and this is drawn from the trumpets of their own website, that it has "the most complex nose of any malt whisky." This is pure madness. That was surely the day that Michael Jackson received a severe concussion just after dropping some industrial LSD.
But it's not swill, either. What is it, then? The principal whisky used in Johnnie Walker Black? Sure. But it's more, too. Let's find out...
Nose: It's nice, and full, but certainly not the most complex I've scented. That title might go to one of the sherried Islays like Uigeadail. But there are a lot of things to find here - honey, vanilla, pine sap, lemon rinds, grass, and a certain sourness like cranberries or prunes.
Mouthfeel: Rather thin.
Palate: Honey forward, herbs galore (I'm not even sure what most of them are), flower petals, that sourness goes from fruit to wood as a drying oak note emerges. A vague nuttiness. Does evolve very far on the tongue... just does a quick do-si-do and gets on with its business.
Finish: Oak remains along with the herbal notes. Young oak, and green herbs. It's nice but didn't shake my mind or teach me a new language.
Verdict: This is the first single malt I actually Don't Recommend, but only because of the price point - this cost me $65. For, say, $45 or lower it would be Recommended, but not as heavily as others. It's good-but-not-great territory. If you can, get a sample (where do people FIND those? They are completely unobtainable where I am) or try this at a friend's house. It's inoffensive and semi-interesting, but not worth going miles out of your way for.
Link to Cragganmore's website for the 12 Year: http://www.malts.com/index.php/en_us/Our-Whiskies/Cragganmore
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