Cameronbridge 38 Years Old 1987 Cask #2210051 (Murray McDavid)

Murray McDavid bottled this Cameronbridge single grain, a 38 year old release distilled in 1987, from cask 2210051 and bottled at 45.7%. 120 bottles in all. Set in Fife, Cameronbridge has made grain whisky since 1824, the oldest plant of its kind in Scotland. Water comes from Loch Leven, the mash from wheat, the spirit drawn off three column stills.

Distilled continuously in column stills from wheat, on Loch Leven water, giving a clean, mellow grain whisky. A refill American oak cask held it, building the sweet, oily grain character. Past thirty years the spirit turns oily and dessert sweet while staying clean. Grain whisky like this rewards long maturation, the wood adding most of the character. 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 cask strength 45.7% it is full bodied. The ex-Bourbon gives coconut, toffee and a creamy caramel. The mouthfeel is oily, the coconut carried on a sweet body. The finish is deep, oily and creamy. This is the grain behind Cameron Brig and Haig Club.