Cragganmore 1978-1996 17 Year Old GM 'CASK' #4958

It gave an impression close to the official Cragganmore. Cragganmore CRAGGANMORE 1978-1996 17yo GM 'CASK' #4958 61.3% The aroma is matured yet strong and robust barley notes, slightly spicy, with apple, honey, oak, and cinnamon, plain. When drinking, it starts surprisingly gentle but becomes spicy, with a plain flavor profile that reveals umami-like barley notes when chewed, strong honey-based sweetness, subtle oak tannins that tighten it up, a slightly textured mouthfeel, and spicy finish. [Good/Very Good] This is a cask strength bottling of Cragganmore 1978, aged for 17 years, released by GM in 1996. The aroma has a certain maturity from aging but retains strong, assertive barley notes as its base, with some stimulating intensity that permeates the nose. Beneath this, nuances of apple, honey, and cinnamon emerge. Initially, it's surprisingly mild, but then expands into a spicy sensation. Like the aroma, the barley umami is strong and prominent, followed by elements of rich sweetness and tightening tannins. Overall, it's a malt with a plain cask character, where the robust barley aroma takes center stage. Despite having passed 20 years since bottling, it still felt lively and vibrant. The cask character was well-controlled, giving a nuance close to the official Diageo style. #Cragganmore (CRAGGANMORE)