There are times when it seems like my reviews or selection of reviews are somewhat random. And if I’m being honest there’s a few that are, in fact, random. In picking. I do try to pick out groups or group the sample together.
However, while sometimes I’m handed samples and need to make sense of it, other times I buy samples because books have recommended them. Some are easy, some aren’t. Some I agree everyone should try, others I question. And none of them have anything to do with any illusions to a religious text.
Cameronbridge Cameron Brig isn’t known as that. It’s just known as “Cameron Brig”. I wrote it like that so I can find it among the 1 other Cameronbridge whisky review I have done (and future potential ones as well).
Cameronbridge is a Lowland Distillery that makes single grain used in blends, Smirnoff Vodka, and Tanqueray gin and releases one NAS unpeated whisky.
So we have a workhorse distillery. I’ve enjoyed other workhorse distilleries. And while I’ve had Cameronbridge before this review, I should start with the Original Bottling they released themselves.
So let’s see how this tastes, shall we?
Price: £23.33
Region: Lowland
Abv: 40%
Colour: 2.5Y 7/8
Nose: Alcohol, caramel, molasses, mulch
Yeah, that’s young single grain whisky alright. And trust me, as someone who lives in a place that specializes in selling you that (Canada), I know it.
Some sweets and some earth. Also alcohol. Takes awhile for these single grains to grow, and I’d guess this hasn’t had the typical 30+ years needed.
Taste: Mango candy, molasses, butter, almond
Tropical, sweet, and buttery. I’m surprised there wasn’t more burn here. Nutty as well. All of it comes as surprising because it’s not spirit driven like the nose was hinting at.
That said, it’s pretty simple. The candy note is sharp, quick, and soon drowned in butter. Seems like a Wednesday night to me.
Finish: Anise, cereal, cinnamon, brine
Spice, cereal, spice, and salt. You’ll mostly taste the spice. If you’re quick, as the finish doesn’t linger too long.
Conclusion: Really if they let the components age more they’d have something interesting. As it stands? Everything is cut short. Decent whisky, I think there’s better out there for a similar price point.
If you’re going to try out a single grain and are having trouble, this would be an easy way to enter. That all said, it runs into some issues: The nose is rough. The finish is just spice. And the taste was pretty good.
This would replace a low end blending store whisky. Think those ones from Sainbury’s or a lower end Trader Joe or Costco bottle.
56/100
Scotch review #1408, Lowland review #57, Whisky Network review #2085
101 Whiskies to Try Before You Die review #76
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