John Smith selected the site of the Cragganmore Distillery in 1869 for the quality of the water, the Craggan burn, and also because it was close to the Strathspey railway. John Smith loved his rail travel but was often forced to ride in goods wagons because of his weight; the passenger carriages being too narrow for him! A very experienced distiller, he had managed the Macallan, Glenlivet, Glenfarclas and Wishaw distilleries. About 30% of the production is now sold as single malt, the remaining part being used in blends like McCallum's Perfection and White Horse.
Sweet fragrant aromas with smoke and malt. Sweet and fragrant with a firm body and a malty taste; a long finish with delicate aromas and light smoke. Gold in colour. A complex of sweet floral fragrances, riverside herbs and flowers with some honey and vanilla. “The most complex nose of any malt whisky”(Jackson). Firm, rounded, light to medium. A strong malty taste with hints of sweet wood smoke and sandalwood. A long malt-driven finish with light smoke and hints of sweetness.
