Our Nurnberg International Whisky group continued our journey with a quartet from Glenmorangie, exploring the impact of different finishes on the same ‘base’. This was joined by an extra – a Cragganmore Port finish to compare with the Glenmorangie Port finish.

After warming up with the Glenmorangie 10 year “The Original” ex-Bourbon finish, followed by the Glenmorangie 12 year “The Lasanta” Sherry Finish, we then turned to the Glenmorangie 14 year “Quinta Ruban” Port Finish.

We then paused before continuing to the Nector D’Or. And that is when one of our tasting companions pulled out a different Port Finish whisky to compare with the Glenmorangie Quinta Ruban – the Cragganmore (2005/2018) Distiller’s Edition Port Finish 40%.

This wasn’t my 1st time trying either Cragganmore or even their Port Finish. Whilst primarily providing liquid for Diageo blends, I’ve tried both official bottlings and one from an independent bottler Most recently was a terrific evening in Berlin with a more recent version of this very Distillers Edition (2008/2020) 40% expression, and tried as a duo next to a Benromach. Another time, was a Scotch Malt Whisky Society dram – 14 year “Eastern Promise” (1 Oct 2002) 56.8% (SMWS 37.85).

What did we think?

Cragganmore (2005/2018) Distiller’s Edition Port Finish 40%.

• Colour – Dark amber (possibly aided by coloring)
• Nose – It started with apples – very young green ones that aren’t quite ripe, then shifted into a vague fruity aroma that combined sweet and sour
• Palate – Quite light, a touch of spice and oak, soft with the barest hint of peat
• Finish – Sweet peat

With the Glenmorangie, the Port finish added a depth of character that was almost entirely missing here. Perhaps on its own, it would have made more of an impression. Whereas side-by-side, it alas did not stand out.

Now let’s be honest here, “Distiller’s Edition” can often be code for mass-production release trying to sound fancy. In the case of Cragganmore, they do ensure their version is dated, so you can compare slight variances by year. Based on my experience with the 2020, I’d say the later avatar had a bit more “oomph!” than the 2018 expression.

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