Cameronbridge 16 Years Old 2006 Cask #C22068 (Claxton’s)

Claxton's selected this Cameronbridge, a 16 year old single grain distilled in 2006, from cask C22068 and bottled at 57.1%. 65 bottles in all. Founded in 1824 by John Haig, Cameronbridge is the oldest and largest grain distillery in Scotland. As well as grain whisky, it makes the neutral spirit for Gordon's and Tanqueray gin and Smirnoff vodka.

It was drawn from continuous Coffey stills for a light grain spirit, for a delicate spirit that leans on the cask with age. Maturation in a sherry cask laid dried fruit over the oily grain. At a youthful age the spirit is bright, sweet and clean. The high strength spirit mellows slowly into a soft, sweet old grain. A founding member of the Distillers Company in 1877, it is now Diageo's largest distillery. Since Port Dundas closed in 2010, it is Diageo's only wholly owned grain distillery. As well as whisky, it makes the neutral spirit for Gordon's and Tanqueray gin and Smirnoff vodka.

At a natural 57.1% it is full and oily. The Oloroso brings dried fruit and a nutty depth over the sweet grain. A crème brûlée and a polished oak give it depth. A warming, sweet finish lingers. This is the clean, sweet grain of Cameronbridge.