Cameronbridge 14 Year Old Called to Submission - Brave New Spirits

2025-10-12 🇩🇪 Zum deutschen Testbericht
Brave New Spirits, the Glasgow-based independent bottler, has selected a cask that lives up to its name: "Called to Submission". And indeed, with an alcohol content of 50.3% and a colour spectrum reminiscent of deep ruby red, this whisky commands respect. The colour alone is a promise – this is no harmless grain sweetness, but an aromatic demonstration of power.
Cameronbridge 14 Year Old Called to Submission - Brave New Spirits
Cameronbridge 14 Year Old Called to Submission - Brave New Spirits
Single Grain | 14 Year Old | 50,30 % ABV. | 84,28 €/l | Distillery: Cameronbridge | made in Scotland (Lowlands)

Nose

Red wine notes open the door to a complex world of aromas – deep red fruits blend with red fruit jelly, reminiscent of summer berry explosions. But the fruitiness doesn't stop there: eucalyptus cherry sweets provide an almost medicinal freshness that adds a refreshingly spicy dimension to the whole.
The nutty side comes through powerfully with cashews and creamy nougat, while dark chocolate adds depth and weight to the bouquet. A hint of cinnamon and sage tea adds herbal spice – here, each aroma orchestrates its own little heroic story without one gaining the upper hand. The nose is a perfectly balanced ensemble in which each component knows its role and plays it masterfully.

Taste

And then comes the real punch. This grain shows on the palate why it is called "Called to Submission" – it dominates the mouth with a power that is breathtaking. It is massively dry without seeming dull or one-dimensional. The texture is creamy and enveloping, almost oily in its richness.
Raisins and purge-like sweetness, an almost rustic grain sweetness, form the powerful foundation. Coffee beans dance above with their bitter elegance, while cranberries add tart, fruity accents. A hint of powdered sugar rounds off the taste experience and provides a surprisingly elegant counterpoint to the massive dryness.

Finish

The long finish is the worthy finale to this aromatic heroic saga. Dark oak returns with its tannic presence, and once again we see that characteristic dryness that runs through the entire whisky like a red thread. It is not unpleasant. On the contrary: it is the backbone that gives this grain its structure.
Raisins and red fruits linger – an echo of the nose that remains present for minutes and sips.

Thoughts

Where many single grain whiskies focus on smoothness and restraint, Cameronbridge 14 Years Old takes the bold path of confrontation. The aromas jump out at you, and the cask sets the tone – presumably a first-class sherry or red wine cask, which has given this whisky its ruby red colour and opulent fruitiness.
This is not a grain whisky for beginners looking for gentle vanilla and caramel. This is a grain for the advanced, for those who understand that complexity and power are not the exclusive privileges of single malts.

Rating: 85/100 - Excellent (Marcel: 83 | Sascha: 87)

Value for Money: 4/5 - Good

Preview Image Source: Whiskybase

FAQ: The Most Common Questions

❓ Who is this grain whisky suitable for?

👉 The Cameronbridge 14 Year Old is ideal for advanced whisky drinkers who already have experience with strong, cask-strength whiskies. Those who appreciate sherry-influenced malts or are interested in the underrated potential of grain whisky will find an exceptional example here. For absolute beginners, the intensity and dryness may be overwhelming, so a gentler grain bottling is recommended to start with.

❓ What makes this grain whisky so special compared to typical Cameronbridge bottlings?

👉 Most Cameronbridge whiskies are used for blends and are designed to be neutral. However, this single cask bottling from Brave New Spirits shows what happens when a selected cask, matured for 14 years and presumably finished in an intense sherry or red wine cask, unleashes its full power. The combination of high alcohol content (50.3% ABV), long maturation and a characterful cask makes the difference between an ordinary blend component and a unique taste experience.

❓ Should I add water or enjoy it neat?

👉 At 50.3% ABV, this whisky is accessible enough to enjoy neat. The aromas are powerful but well integrated. Those who like to experiment can add a few drops of water: a small splash can emphasise the fruitiness even more and soften the dryness slightly. Recommendation: try it neat first, then adjust to your taste. The solid texture and creamy mouthfeel are best appreciated neat.

Contact us
About us
How we evaluate