Cameronbridge 'Whisky.de exclusive' 13 Years 2009 / 2022 | Whisky Review

Physical Whisky Characteristics

Origin: Cameronbridge Distillery, an independent grain distillery.
Type: Single Grain Whisky.
Distillation Process: Utilizes a column still for distillation.
Maturation Process: Aged in a second fill sherry cask.
Age Statement: 13 years, distilled on February 4th, 2009, and bottled on June 14th, 2022.
ABV: Bottled at cask strength, 63% ABV.
Color and Clarity: Acquired a notable color from maturation, described as quite light in the glass.
Bottle Design: Specific design details not mentioned, but it is a 0.7-liter bottle with an output of 652 bottles from what was likely a 500-liter cask.

Balance of Flavors: Exhibits a balance between the oiliness typical of grain whisky and the spiciness from the oak, without bitterness.
Unique Characteristics: Notable for its fruitiness, light vanilla notes, and a hint of light mint when diluted with water. The spiciness is described as intense but not bitter.
Comparison: While not directly compared to other whiskies, it is noted for having more complexity than is typical for single grain whiskies, which often lack complexity due to minimal cask influence.

Production Insights: The whisky showcases the potential of single grain whiskies when they receive more significant cask influence, in this case, from a second fill sherry cask, as opposed to the more common fourth to ninth fill ex-bourbon casks used for grain whisky.

Distillery Background: Cameronbridge is highlighted as a large grain distillery whose output is typically used for blends. This exclusive bottling emphasizes the distillery's capacity for producing noteworthy single grain expressions.

Hans Luening's Impressions: "Quite impressive for a single grain," indicating a positive deviation from the norm of single grain whiskies lacking complexity.
Tasting Notes: Describes the need to dilute the whisky significantly due to its high ABV, which reveals more of its fruitiness and light mint character.

Cameronbridge 'Whisky.de exclusive' is a 13-year-old single grain whisky, notable for its high ABV and maturation in a second fill sherry cask.
It exhibits a fruity and spicy flavor profile, with a notable absence of bitterness and an unusual complexity for a single grain whisky.
The whisky is a product of Cameronbridge Distillery, emphasizing the potential of grain distilleries to produce complex and noteworthy single grain expressions.
Hans Luening praises the whisky for its complexity and impressive character, especially given its classification as a single grain whisky.

Whisky Enthusiasts: Those interested in exploring the depth and variety within single grain whiskies.
Cask Strength Whisky Lovers: Individuals who appreciate the intensity and purity of cask strength expressions.
Sherry Cask Fans: Whisky drinkers who enjoy the influence of sherry cask maturation but are looking for something lighter and with a different twist.
Beginners: May find it challenging due to its high ABV but could enjoy it when diluted, as it reveals more accessible flavors like fruitiness and light mint.