A few months ago if you recall Douglas Laing had split up into two companies, as the two Laing brothers each went his way, and so Hunter Laing was formed, taking with it some of the Laing brands (OMC, and Old and rare). Sovereign is also one of the new company’s ranges, and this one is their first offering I am tasting from the new Era of Hunter Laing.
I guess some of you know Cameronbridge , and some not for the sake of those who are not familiar with it : It was formed in 1824 by J.Haig , closed during WWII , and went through renovation from 1989-1992 and in 2000 was reopened after major renovation and expansion to be able to produce 30M litres annually. Currently owned by Diageo it’s the largest Grain distillery operating in Scotland, and contributes quite a bit to the popular JW blend and also can distil other spirits such as Vodka, Gin.
Hunter Laing Cameronbridge 23 yo 1990,59,2%,£78
Nose: Opens on vanilla, icing sugar. Quite abut if wood: Sawdust, Pencil savings, Lemon zest. Eucalyptus which gets more noticeable with water. (this one does benefit from water, so add some)
Palate: A bit harsh and grainy. sweet and spicy with a lot of pepper. Ginger. Lots of sugar and vanilla too,with some fruity elements and mostly peach. Hint of bitter milk chocolate. Lots of oak. And the tiniest hint if dried mango.
Finish: Oak, bitter chocolate. Sugared almonds.
This is a nice grain whisky, which needs some water to open up and reveal its full potential and reduce the sharpness (I seldom add water, but this time it was needed). After you do add water, the lovely fruity mango and peach are there, and the oak is well balanced IMHO. for a 23 year old its well priced too. Enjoyable stuff. Grain lovers, you should try this one.
Score: 84/100
Available from Master of Malt for £78