Cragganmore 1989 (The First Editions)

If I’m well informed, this was the first bottling ever in the First Editions series, a Cragganmore distilled in 1989.

Cragganmore 21 yo 1989 (55,4%, The First Editions 2011, refill bourbon hogshead, ref. ES 001/01)

Nose: a very fresh mix of floral notes, green fruits and mint. Lemons, citrus tea, freshly cut grass. Some mineral notes and flints. There’s some fresh oak and green herbs too. All fresh, clean, with a minerality that makes it almost austere.

Mouth: quite punchy, full of malt, citrus zest and herbs. Oranges. Some “green” woody notes. Heather honey, but more heather than honey. Spicy undertones (nutmeg, pepper).

Finish: medium long, drier, with zesty notes, herbs and mint.

A clean, zesty and mineral Speysider – good Cragganmore. Very naked, which makes it feel a little younger than it actually is. Around € 100.

Score: 85/100