Cameronbridge 14 Years Called to Submission - Brave New Spirits
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.
Tasting Notes
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.
Palate
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
Marcel 83/100
This Cameronbridge 14 Year is no walk in the park, but rather a bold ride through intense fruit and cask aromas that really pack a punch. If you’re hoping for gentle vanilla, you’re out of luck here – instead, you get a complex explosion of flavors that leaves you wanting more. A grain whisky that proves power and character aren’t exclusive to malt whiskies.
Sascha 87/100
The Cameronbridge 14 Year presents itself as a structured and well-balanced grain whisky with a pronounced cask influence and a remarkable balance between dryness and fruitiness. The complex aroma profile of red fruits, nutty nuances, and spicy accents is carried by a long, dry-spicy finish that gives the whisky its solid backbone. Overall, a technically impressive and characterful single grain from the Lowlands.
Value for Money: Good
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What sets the Cameronbridge 14 Year Called to Submission apart from other grain whiskies?
This grain whisky stands out due to its intense aroma profile and high alcohol strength of 50.3%. Unlike many grain whiskies, it shows a complex balance of fruitiness, nutty notes, and spicy accents, combined with a powerful dryness and a long, tannin-driven finish.
How does the cask maturation influence the flavor of this whisky?
The cask maturation imparts the whisky’s deep red color and complex aromas of red wine, red fruits, and dark chocolate. At the same time, it contributes to the robust dryness and prominent oak spice in the long finish, which structure and round out the flavor profile.
What is the best way to enjoy the Cameronbridge 14 Year Called to Submission?
Due to its high strength and intense aromas, it is recommended to drink the whisky neat or with a small splash of water to better perceive its diverse nuances. It is ideal as a meditative after-dinner dram or as a special drop for whisky lovers who appreciate powerful grain whiskies.