10/10/2022 Cameronbridge

Cameronbridge 28yo 1979/2007 (54.4%, Duncan Taylor Rare Auld, Oak Cask, C#3583, 216b, b#88): nose: unmistakably a grain, with its lot of toasted coconut, yet that is augmented with something waxier, like crayon shavings. In fact, there is a lot of that, and one would easily imagine the grubby fingers of a drawing teacher at the end of a class, covered in crayon and watercolour, linseed oil and residue from paint tubes. It has its share of bakery goodness too, of course: rising sourdough and bread starter, but the crayons come out most clearly. The second nose has waxy fruits, perhaps ripe plums, or nectarines, kept in a plastic tub, or wrapped in cellophane. A spoonful of corn syrup has been spilled on warm linoleum, hot off the roll. Mouth: the attack is modelling paint (Revell or Humbrol), then it opens up and reveals a resolutely petrochemical profile -- warm cellophane, plastic bags, plastic bins being fabricated, flooring glue -- over an oily texture. Said texture underlines the plastic-y aspect, reminiscent of melted plastic. Yes, there is a bitter quality to this that screams melted plastic of various consistencies, from thin and malleable shrinkwrap to hard, baked dustbins, via rubber seals. The second sip adds corn syrup -- or is it maple syrup? In any case, it is sweet and a half, and a tad spicy in a red-chilli way (fresh or powdered), the bitter touch now provided by nigella seeds. Finish: gentle and discreet, it goes down almost unnoticed and takes a few seconds to make itself known. Once it has settled in, it prolongs the impressions from the nose and palate: melted plastic and the associated bitterness play alongside (overly-)toasted grated coconut. It is only via retro-nasal olfaction that the latter is more noticeable, in a creamy fashion. Later sips see a sprinkle of nigella seeds added to that coconut cream, and, maybe, just maybe, a thin dusting of ground black cardamom and a thin slice of gingerbread. Very good, provided one is not afraid of a little bit of plastic. 8/10 (Thanks for the sample, PS)