2000 Berrys' Own Selection Cragganmore, Speyside, Single Malt Whisky, 56.8%
About this SPIRIT
Cragganmore Distillery, Speyside
The Cragganmore Distillery was founded by John Smith in 1869. Already a very skilful distiller, he managed the Macallan, Glenlivet and Glenfarclas distilleries, but wanted to build his own, signature Speyside distillery.
Leasing from Sir George Macpherson-Grant a site formerly used by illicit distillers at Ayeon Farm, part of the Ballindalloch Castle estate, Smith chose the place for the quality of the water of the Craggan burn and its proximity to the Strathspey railway. John Smith really liked trains. However, he was often forced to travel in goods wagons, because of his massive size and weight.
Designed by the famous Elgin architect Charles Doig, the new distillery buildings were hewn from granite-like 'greenstone'. This was quarried from the 1600-foot hill of Cragan Mor, from which the distillery name comes.
In 1923 the distillery was acquired by White Horse Distillers, which in turn was taken over by the Distillers Company in 1965. It is now part of Diageo.
About 30% of the production is sold as single malt, the remaining part being used in blends like McCallum's Perfection and White Horse. The single malt is an exceptionally complex spirit, ranging from nuts to toffee, angelica to herbs and mixed peel. Limited releases include the 48-year-old Prima & Ultima, aged in refilled hogsheads.
(Adapted from the Malt Whisky Yearbook 2024)
Buying options
Add to wishlist
Description
Cragganmore is located between Grantown-on-Spey and Ballindalloch, close to the mighty river Spey. The distillery was founded in 1869, rebuilt in1901 and later extended from two to four stills. This single cask Malt brims with fruity character.
Sweet, spicy aromas evolve accompanied by a little peat-smoke. There is underlying grassiness, vanilla, liquorice, menthol and soft ripe fruit. The malty, fruity palate builds to offer some sweet honeyed intensity as the spice and delicate smoke drift through to give balance. Faintly peaty, nutty and spicy at the death, this dram tails off smoothly.
spirit at a glance
Delivery and quality guarantee