Diageo Special Releases. Love them, Hate them, whatever you think of them you can not ignore them (ok you can, but it’s got so damn good stuff inside, which is a pity to ignore) . Every year they do seem more expensive and out of reach, for most of us mortals, but again, It’s a limited release not aimed at the mass market, but probably aimed at very rich collectors, or those who have the pennies and want to treat themselves or someone they like to a unique gift, and money is not a concern to them.
Sadly, I am not one of those people with endless means, but I am lucky (and quite thankful) to have received a sample set of this year’s SR, and I am planning on reviewing some / most especially those who are of the most interest (namely the ones you can afford [Caol Ila, Lagavulin] and the ones you can not afford but get the most attention: namely the Port Ellen and the Brora).
The first one I am going to review is the only single grain in the release (following last year’s lovely ‘The Cally’ 40 Year Old 1974 which i liked very much). A 40 year old single grain is always something that intrigues me, as I appreciate those older grain which can be magnificent. This one was distilled in 1975 (my birth year – yay!) comes from Re-fill American oak casks, only 1,812 bottles at a nice 52.7%. are available and the pricing is quite steep as you can expect – £750. This is the first time Cambus is making an appearance on the Diageo Special releases, also OB Cambus is also very rare.
Cambus 40 yo , Diageo Special Rel. 2016 , 52.7%. abv , £750 
Nose: Oh lordy, this is a thing of beauty. starting with big sweet ‘Bourbon-y’ notes, shouting – Grain! there’s tons of old wood, wood varnish, leather and thick maple syrup, there’s also a hint of exotic fruit (mango, kiwi, pineapple, red grapefruit). Lively, kicking and just plain lovely. Really well aged grain at it’s best.
Palate: The palate is a direct continuation of the nose, with loads of spiced wood, more sweet nectar, and on second wave of sensations there’s a gorgeous note of tropical fruit salad, mango, papaya, pineapple, lychee, with bitter red grapefruit pith, quite a lot of wood spices, and more maple syrup. Heavenly.
Finish: Sweet caramelized banana in maple syrup, wood spice.
This, my friends, is one delicious dram. Rich, complex, and the wood and fruit combination is just perfect. Highly recommended. I hope people will buy this and enjoy, it’s not meant to collect dust on your shelves.
Score: 91/100
still available at Master of malt.