Cambus 1991/2015 Signatory Vintage 23 years old Single Grain Scotch Whisky 70 cl 53,9%

Filled in July 1991, emptied in January 2015. Cambus managed to close in between, and the cask simply minded its own business while the distillery's chimneys disappeared from the Clackmannanshire skyline.

Expert description

Cambus 1991/2015 Signatory Vintage 23 Years is a Single Grain Scotch Whisky from Refill Butt #55890, bottled at cask strength, 53.9%, with natural colour.

The whisky was distilled on 24 July 1991 and bottled on 19 January 2015. The cask gave 541 bottles, which fits a butt of around 500 litres. Cambus closed in 1993, so the spirit comes from its final production years.

A refill cask is the right type for grain whisky meant to sit for a long time. It gives up its influence slowly and lets the light spirit develop vanilla, coconut and fudge without being smothered in oak.

Tasting notes

Nose

Vanilla and coconut with pale grain, met by a fine, sweetish note of freshly baked cake.

Palate

Creamy and soft with fudge, honey and pale spice. The strength brings concentration rather than sharpness.

Finish

Long and lightly dry with vanilla, grain and a warm oak note.

Specifications

Name: Cambus 1991/2015 Signatory Vintage 23 Years Single Grain Scotch Whisky 70 cl 53.9%
Distillery: Cambus
Bottler: Signatory Vintage
Region/Country: Lowlands, Scotland
Type: Single Grain Scotch Whisky
Age: 23 years
ABV: 53,9%
Size: 70 CL
Cask type: Refill Butt #55890
Natural colour: Yes
Distilled: 24/07/1991
Bottled: 19/01/2015
Number of bottles: 541

Flavour profile

Creamy · Vanilla · Sweet · Soft · Mature

Investment potential

High. A closed distillery, a single cask and a vintage from the final operating years. Cambus bottlings from 1991 exist in falling numbers.

Did you know?

Cambus suffered a fire in 1914 that shut the distillery for fifteen years. It was rebuilt and ran on until 1993, when the Distillers Company closed it for the last time.

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Frequently asked questions about Cambus 1991/2015 Signatory Vintage 23 Years Single Grain Scotch Whisky 70 cl 53.9%

What does refill butt mean?

A large cask of around 500 litres that has held whisky at least once before. It gives up less wood flavour than a first fill cask and suits very long maturation.

How does grain whisky taste after 23 years?

Soft and creamy with vanilla, coconut and fudge. The light, almost neutral character of young grain whisky develops over time into something far rounder and sweeter.

Is it worth the money?

One cask, 541 bottles and a distillery closed since 1993. There will be no more Cambus, so every bottling represents a fixed, irreversible quantity.

Should I add water?

At 53.9% a couple of drops can make a clear difference. Grain whisky is delicate, so add a little at a time — too much water makes it watery rather than soft.

Why are there so few old grain whiskies?

Because grain whisky has historically been used young in blends. Only casks forgotten or set aside for some reason have reached high age. See more under Closed Distilleries Whisky.

What is the difference between a butt and a hogshead?

A butt holds around 500 litres, a hogshead around 250. The larger cask carries less wood per litre and therefore matures more slowly and gently.