Cragganmore 14 Year Old 1993 A.D. Rattray

Cragganmore was founded in 1869 in Ballindaloch. This is, of course, the heart of Speyside. The founder chose this location because of the Craggan burn that provides the water, but also the Strathspey Railway for transportation. This 14 Year Old appeared in 2007 by A.D. Rattray.

The nose is clean and malty. Reminds me a bit of pastry. Lemon tart. Pears and flowers, too. Some freshly cut grass. Rather mild, despite the almost 60%. After a few moments it becomes a bit darker in aroma. Loads of caramel and some butter. A touch bourbonny with a twig of mint. Diluted it becomes wrapped in citrusy notes.

The attack is powerful and rather sharp. The lead is not for apricots, rhubarb and gooseberries. The mint becomes menthol, the lemon becomes lime, the pastry becomes nuts. This is quite nice, but let me add some water. That takes of the sharp edges and makes it somewhat sweeter (more honey and some toffee) and hence more palatable.

Long, spicy finish.

As far as I am concerned, this is a very nice Cragganmore and a swimmer at that.

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