‘Taste the future today’ with expansive selection of whisky
CAIRNGORMS-BASED distillery The Cairn Distillery has invited adventurous whisky drinkers to explore its range of blended malt options.
The Cairn said the range of blends will allow whisky drinkers to “taste the future today” with the flavours found in each of the expressions a glimpse into what the distillery’s single malt will taste like in years to come.
No date has been set for the launch of The Cairn’s first single malt, but its CRN57° portfolio of blended malt Scotch whiskies has been made using stock from The Cairn’s parent firm, Gordon & MacPhail. The distillery’s location has also inspired the range’s name, with The Cairn located 57 degrees north of the equator in the Cairngorms National Park in the Highlands.
The CRN57° core range allows drinkers to explore a selection of age statement blended malt expressions consisting of a 12 Years Old; 18 Years Old; 25 Years Old; 30 Years Old; 40 Years Old; 57 Years Old; and 70 Years Old, which The Cairn has said makes this release the world’s oldest blended malt Scotch whisky.
In addition to this range, there is also a non-age statement with the CRN57° Vision, which was created with the vision for the single malts of the future in mind, showcasing a plethora of flavours in the process.
The Cairn’s future single malts are anticipated to infuse the smooth flavours typical of a traditional Speyside whisky. Maturing in first-fill casks, the distillery said the range of single malts will be of the highest quality to be enjoyed neat, or in easy-to-make cocktails.
Stuart Urquhart, whisky maker and operations director at Gordon & MacPhail, said: “Our CRN57° blended malts reflect our heritage and location, but also provides a glimpse into the future of The Cairn’s single malt whiskies. Whisky drinkers have a unique opportunity to transport their taste buds decades in the future, enjoying the notes of our 70-year-old single malt which won’t be released until 2092.
“For millennia, cairns – stacked piles of stones – have inspired people to explore and discover new paths, and that’s the direction we’ve followed for CRN57°. We want to unlock taste through exploration with a modern, simple twist. You don’t need to be a whisky connoisseur to enjoy our whiskies, just a sense of curiosity and a desire to try something new.”
The full range of the CRN57°, with tasted notes, is listed as follows:
CRN57° Vision
43% ABV
Nose: Vanilla and blueberry pie. Apple, gooseberries and fresh lime. Summer berries, cocoa powder and oak.
Palate: Apple and zesty citrus. Raspberries, figs, aniseed and brazil nuts.
Finish: Vibrant citrus and spicy pepper.
CRN57° 12 Years Old
43% ABV
Nose: Red apples, cinnamon and cloves. Orange marmalade and roasted walnuts.
Palate: Raspberry, apple and a touch of pepper. Sweet and spicy, along with tangy chocolate orange.
Finish: Fruity with a spicy oak finish.
CRN57° 18 Years Old
43% ABV
Nose: Crisp apples, blueberries and candied citrus peel. Raisins and toasted almonds topped with brown sugar.
Palate: Banana, milk chocolate and hazelnut. Strawberries and cream, and a touch of spice
Finish: Fresh lime, mint and a hint of pepper.
CRN57° 25 Years Old
43% ABV
Nose: Rum and raisin with brown sugar. Ripe fig and maple syrup and a hint of liquorice.
Palate: Raspberry and pistachio nut with apple and tangy orange peel.
Finish: Milk chocolate and oak.
CRN57° 30 Years Old
43% ABV
Nose: Rich fruitcake with candied peel and cinnamon. Toffee and Medjool dates.
Palate: Spice and pepper with sultanas, forest fruits, oak and floral notes.
Finish: Full and sweet with liquorice and spice.
CRN57° 40 Years Old
43% ABV
Nose: Rich Sherry with cinnamon and nutmeg, beeswax polish, dried fruits and orange peel.
Palate: Smooth and sweet. Dried tobacco, citrus and charred oak. Stewed apple, walnut and spicy pepper.
Finish: Nutty, with mature oak and roasted coffee beans.
CRN57° 57 Years Old
43.1% ABV
Nose: Zesty orange and rich fruitcake with baked apple and oak.
Palate: Crushed black pepper, dark fruit and butterscotch. Roasted coffee bean and dried tobacco.
Finish: Vibrant citrus and lingering spice.
CRN57° 70 Years Old
45% ABV
Nose: Cinnamon apple, clove spice and chocolate orange blossom.
Palate: Kumquat, aniseed and tobacco. Blackcurrant and black pepper.
Finish: Seville orange peel and mint.
