Cambus 1988 Ch7 (Chapter 7 (Ch7))

This Cambus was from the independent bottler Chapter 7 (Ch7), a 33 year old release distilled in 1988, from cask 3325 and bottled at 47.6%. The outturn was 280 bottles. Founded around 1806 by John Moubray, Cambus was a Lowland grain distillery that fell silent in 1993. Single grain Cambus is rare, mostly from independent bottlers, with the odd Diageo Special Release.

Distilled in continuous stills for a light, sweet grain spirit, building the gentle Cambus grain style. It rested in ex-Bourbon oak for decades, the wood adding coconut and vanilla. Beyond twenty five years the grain grows deep and oily, coconut, butterscotch and crème brûlée over polished oak. The slow loss of the angel's share concentrates the sweet, oily core over decades. The light, sweet grain takes on a deep, oily richness over many years. The distillery stood near Alloa, in the old brewing and distilling country of the River Devon.

At a hearty 47.6% it carries real weight. The ex-Bourbon gives coconut, toffee and crème brûlée. A butterscotch and a creamy oak lift it. The close is soft, dessert sweet over oak. This is an old Lowland single grain of real character.