1992 Claxton's Warehouse No.1 Cameronbridge 31 Year Old Cask Strength Single Grain Scotch Whisky (700ml)

By no means mainstream for the category, but one mark of a good independent is the potential to surprise. This does exactly that. Shy aromas of pineapple pudding and light molasses cake are contrasted in a delivery that's immediate and high impact; Caramelised fruits, dates, maple syrup and Grand muscat sprinkled with Demerara sugar. Like some ancient brandy or rum that was forgotten and discovered near to evaporation. Stunning single grain. Buy it before Macallan 18YO in a heart beat. Matured in a sherry hogshead. 144 bottles at 45.1% Alc./Vol. Non chill filtered. Tasted from a 30ml sample.

Notes from the bottlers... Nose: Fruit covered in icing sugar. Raisins in syrup; Maple & Golden. Palate: Aniseed with vanilla, summer fruits and more syrup flavours. Finish: Sticky-sweet finish with strawberry sweets in the aftertaste.