This whisky is one of the Diageo Special Releases Collection 2014.
It is a limited edition, natural cask strength single malt from the Speyside distillery, Cragganmore. The fifth distillery release from Cragganmore in this series. It is interesting to compare with a 21 year old 1989 released in 2010 and especially with a 17 year old 1988 released in 2006.
Distilled in 1988 and matured in refill European Oak and American Oak, there are only 3,372 individually numbered bottles worldwide.
The colour of antique brass. A dry, leathery nose to start with; fat and saddle soap behind, then almond oil, Makassar oil, with the latter growing into barbers’ shop scents. Now there are some fruity notes (brown banana, dried fig, a trace of mango), with sandalwood and vanilla fudge. A voluptuous texture, with a sweet taste, drying in the finish, leaving an aftertaste of bitter chocolate.