Cragganmore

Translation: Big Rock

Region: Speyside

John Smith was a big man.

That was true for his lifetime achievement as well as for his height. The founder of the Cragganmore distillery was of considerable growth. What he tells himself brought him a railway problem. John Smith had ensured that Cragganmore was Scotland's first distillery to have its own rail link, which greatly facilitated the transport of the barrels. But when John wanted to accompany his whiskey on the trip, it was uncomfortable for him: he just did not fit in the passenger cars. In the coach of the conductor it should have gone with some trouble ...

A little history

Cragganmore was built in 1869 by John Smith. He was previously manager of the Macallan, Glenlivet, Glenfarclas and Clydesdale distilleries. After John Smith's death, his brother and later his son took over the management of the distillery.1902 Cragganmore was completely renovated. In 1918, the distillery was given electric light. In 1923 Cragganmore went to the newly established Cragganmore-Glenlivet Distillery Co. Ltd. (which in turn belongs to the White Horse Distillers and Ballindalloch Estate).

Between 1941 and 1946 Cragganmore was closed. In 1964, the number of stills was doubled from two to four. Cragganmore was taken over by DCL in 1965, as were all distillers belonging to the White Horse Group.

Cragganmore is now one of the flagships of Diageo's "Classic Malt" series and is also part of the Malt Whiskey Trail that runs through the Speyside area.

What do I actually have in the glass?

The Cragganmore has been voted by United Distillers not in vain as Speyside representative for their Classic Malt Range. The malt has everything that makes the "typical" Speyside character: It is round, balanced, multi-layered, delicately fruity and slightly smoky. Simply elegant.

3 reasons to love Cragganmore

1) Because he just has style.

2) Because he really should be much more famous.

3) Because the name sounds like highlands and adventure.

The one drama for the lonely island

The Cragganmore from the "Distillers Edition" matures for a while in the port wine barrel. This gives him extra sweetness and interesting fruity notes. Very round, very warm.

numbers and facts

Address: Ballindalloch, Banffshire, AB37 9AB

Founded: 1869 by John Smith

Status: active

Owner: Diageo

Capacity: about 1,600,000 liters

2 wash stills (8,725 l)

2 spirit stills (6,700 l)

Water: Craggan Burn

Visitor Center: Yes

Telephone: +44 (0) 1479 874700

Website: www.malts.com