The latest Special Edition of Whisky Sponge. It’s a 37 year old, 1986 Cragganmore, which bottled at natural cask strength using preferred hand-blown cognac glass.
This cask started life in a refill hogshead for 30 years, before being moved to a 1st fill port barrique for five years and finally a 2nd fill barrel for two and a bit more years. The result is a rich, complex whisky, with a profile more akin to that of a long maturation in refill sherrywood. Many mentholated notes, scented, resinous hardwoods, crystalised fruits, waxes and rich notes of long-aged dessert wines and herbal liqueurs. This is a highly detailed whisky that rewards time and attention.