Cragganmore

"One of Speyside's greats. Elegant and austere. Gradually, almost reluctantly, reveals itself. The most fragrant of whiskies: delicate, herbal, flowery. A palate blossoming with flavours, and a long, lingering, finish." Michael Jackson, whisky writer and expert.

Speyside today is widely revered for its sublime malt whiskies and for its fine salmon fishing. About thirty miles by twenty, this fertile triangle of land between mountain and sea has long been known as the Garden of Scotland.

Barley is naturally a major crop in the area, the presence of Scotland's fastest flowing river - together with peat from the uplands to the south is what lured Smith to this ideal location along with access to Strathspey railway line. These were the reasons original Cragganmore owner 'Big' John Smith felt that it would be the perfect place for the perfect distillery. And who could argue with his genius? Successive managers of Cragganmore have strived to continue his vision to deliver the sweetest, most complex malt whiskies: fruity, honeyed notes are often found. And many a taster of has talked lyrically of fruitcake and toffee flavours. 

In the late 1980s, Cragganmore was deservedly chosen by United Distillers (Diageo) to represent Speyside in their Classic Malts series.