One thing that does affect the taste of cranachan here in the States, we don't have Heather Honey. Generally it's clover honey. It's good, but the taste is different. I can't get my cranachan here to taste the same as it did in Scotland and I think it's because of the differences in the flavors of honey. Our creams taste idfferent, too so that may have something to do with the flavor, I maintain the best way to have cranachan, or any other Scottish goodie is to go there and have them!
Holly, I have not started holiday baking yet, I plan to wait til school lets out then have at it!