Cragganmore Distillery
History of Cragganmore Distillery
Cragganmore Distillery, founded by the renowned Speyside legend Big John Smith in 1869, is known for its unique and complex malt whiskies.
The distillery was established using an innovative flat-top pot still design, which contributes to the creation of its sweet and complex malt whiskies.
Big John Smith chose the location for the distillery specifically for its abundant supply of spring water and its proximity to the Great Highland Railway line, making Cragganmore the first Speyside distillery to utilize railway transport for receiving raw materials and distributing their whisky.
Cragganmore Whiskey Ranges
The Cragganmore range includes several notable whiskies, such as the Cragganmore 2021 Distillers Edition Single Malt Scotch Whisky, the Distillers Edition 2020, the 12 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky, and the 2022 Distillers Edition.
Each of these whiskies showcases the distillery’s commitment to producing complex and high-quality single malts, with the Cragganmore whisky being particularly celebrated for having “the most complex aroma of any malt,” as claimed by the late and influential Scotch whisky author Michael James Jackson.
Cragganmore Distillery Tour Information and Experience
The Cragganmore Distillery offers a unique and engaging tour experience for visitors interested in exploring the world of Speyside malt whiskies. Here’s a summary of what you can expect during your visit:
Tour Options at Cragganmore Distillery
Cragganmore: A Taste of Speyside
This guided tour of the Cragganmore distillery is followed by a tutored tasting session. Visitors get the opportunity to taste three of Cragganmore’s finest Single Malt Whiskies. This experience highlights the diversity of flavors within the Cragganmore range.
Visit to Sister Distillery, Cardhu
Located just 15 minutes from Cragganmore, the Cardhu Distillery offers an additional experience. Here, visitors can discover the warm-hearted spirit of Speyside and learn about the distillery’s history, which includes being run by pioneering women Helen and Elizabeth Cumming.
The tour includes a visit to the bar, The Tasting Kitchen, for cocktails, drams, coffees, and sharing platters.
Additional Information
- Booking: Advanced booking for tours and experiences is highly recommended to avoid disappointment.
- Dog Policy: Visitors planning to visit with their dogs should view the full policy on the website.
- Whisky Gift Card: The Whisky Gift Card is available for purchase, allowing your loved ones to shop for top whiskies and merchandise at various visitor experiences in Scotland.
- Accessibility: The distillery consults with Euan’s guide to provide disabled access information and accommodate specific requirements.
- Location: Cragganmore Distillery, Ballindalloch, Banffshire, AB37 9AB, UK.
- Contact: Phone – 01479 874715, Email – cragganmore@malts.com.
- Opening Hours: Vary by season, with specific hours listed for different times of the year.
Flask & Barrel Review of Cragganmore Distillery
As a seasoned whiskey collector who’s been on countless distillery tours, I’ve got to say, Cragganmore Distillery truly stands out. I’d easily rate it a solid 4.7 out of 5.
First off, the setting is just stunning. Nestled in the Scottish Highlands, it’s like stepping into a postcard.
The tour itself was top-notch. The guide was not only knowledgeable but also had a real passion for whiskey, which made the experience so much more engaging.
They walked us through the entire distilling process, and I was particularly impressed by their attention to maintaining the original shape of their copper stills, even after expanding.
It’s clear they’re committed to preserving the traditional methods that give their whiskey its unique character.
Now, let’s talk about the whiskey. Cragganmore’s expressions are something else! Their 12-year is exceptionally smooth with just the right hint of smokiness, which I think strikes a perfect balance.
It’s no surprise it’s bagged multiple awards at the San Francisco World Spirits competition. And the 10-year Sherry Cask?
Absolute bliss for the palate. It’s rich, complex, and has a depth of flavor that I find really impressive.
Sure, Cragganmore might be one of the smaller distilleries, but what they lack in size, they more than make up for in quality and charm.
The only thing stopping me from giving a full 5/5 is that some of the rarest expressions aren’t always available for tasting. But hey, that’s just part of the allure, right?
All in all, if you’re a whiskey enthusiast like me, Cragganmore is a must-visit. It’s a distillery that combines traditional craftsmanship with exceptional flavors, making it a standout in the world of Scotch whisky.
Frequently Asked Questions
What restaurants are near Cragganmore Distillery?
The Wee Puffin: It has a rating of 4.7 stars on Google Maps.
For reservations, you can reach out to them on their phone at +441479873377. Their address is 15 High St, Grantown-on-Spey PH26 3EG, United Kingdom.
Pizzeria Toscana: It has a rating of 4.3 stars on Google Maps.
For reservations, you can reach out to them on their phone at +441343551066. Their address is 20 Thunderton Pl, Elgin IV30 1BG, United Kingdom.
Scribbles: It has a rating of 4.4 stars on Google Maps.
For reservations, you can reach out to them on their phone at +441343542835. Their address is 152-154 High St, Elgin IV30 1BD, United Kingdom.
What hotels are near Cragganmore Distillery?
Dowans Hotel & Restaurant: It has a rating of 4.7 stars on Google Maps.
For reservations, you can reach out to them on their phone at +441340871488. Their address is Dowans Rd, Aberlour AB38 9LS, United Kingdom.
Nethybridge Hotel: It has a rating of 4.1 stars on Google Maps.
For reservations, you can reach out to them on their phone at +441479821203. Their address is Main St, Nethy Bridge PH25 3DP, United Kingdom.
Cragganmore House: It has a rating of 4.9 stars on Google Maps.
For reservations, you can reach out to them on their phone at +441807500359. Their address is Ballindalloch AB37 9AB, United Kingdom.