Cragganmore has always been a Speyside sleeper, quietly complex, subtly smoky, and unmistakably elegant. But with the 2019 “By Nature” Special Release, this Speyside classic breaks tradition. This 12-year-old expression, released as part of Diageo’s sought-after annual collection, introduces a rare smoky twist to a distillery known for its refined character. The result? A whisky that surprises even seasoned connoisseurs, like finding a wisp of campfire in a field of wildflowers.

Cragganmore 12 Year Old – “By Nature” 2019 Special Release
Brand: Cragganmore | Category: Single Malt Scotch Whisky | ABV: 58.4% | Origin: Speyside, Scotland | Vol: 70cl

Tasting Profile:
Nose: A gentle complexity, dried flowers, fresh herbs, and cereal sweetness wrap around wisps of bonfire smoke, toasted nuts, and warm honey.
Palate: Bold and textured, silky honeycomb and toffee mingle with green fruit, cracked pepper, and a very unexpected, elegant smokiness. Bright citrus and grassy undertones keep it fresh and playful.
Finish: Long and dry, the smoke lingers lightly, like mist over the Spey, fading into vanilla cream and soft spice.

Production Details:
This is Cragganmore as you’ve never seen it before, finished in refill American oak casks and bottled at natural cask strength (58.4%), with no chill-filtration. The light peat influence, unusual for the distillery, gives the dram an intriguing new layer, while retaining the Speyside DNA of herbal sweetness and structure.

Perfect For:
Perfect for whisky lovers looking to explore the road less traveled or for fans of gentle peated malts who want a Speyside take on smoke. Enjoy it beside a campfire, during a quiet evening with music, or in a deep discussion with fellow dram nerds.

Expert Notes:
Critics called this “one of the most surprising and rewarding releases in the 2019 series.” Its rare smoky edge, paired with Cragganmore’s usually delicate structure, was a revelation. A must-try for Speyside fans wanting something new.

Customer Reviews:
"Never thought I’d call Cragganmore ‘smoky’ but here we are, and it’s glorious."
"The smoke is subtle, just enough to add depth without overpowering the honey and herbs."
"This is what the Special Releases should be, familiar, but with a wild twist."

Interesting Fact:
The “By Nature” 2019 design features a mystical winged fox, symbolizing Cragganmore’s adaptability, intelligence, and the rare surprise of smoke in this otherwise elegant Speyside malt.

Serving Suggestions:
Enjoy neat to appreciate the boldness of the cask strength, or add a few drops of water to bring out orchard fruit and floral notes. Let it breathe, this dram has layers that reveal themselves slowly and beautifully.

Distillery Background:
Founded in 1869 by John Smith, Cragganmore was one of the first distilleries to embrace railway transport, its site was chosen for proximity to the Great Highland Railway. Known for its complex, lightly smoky malts, Cragganmore flies under the radar — but expressions like this prove it's one of Speyside’s most underrated gems.

Single Malt Whisky