Cambus 31 Year Old – First Ghost Ghosts Series Macbeth Act One

The Cambus 31 Year Old – First Ghost – Ghosts Series – Macbeth Act One is an exceptional and captivating single grain Scotch whisky that brings together venerable heritage, rarity and creative storytelling. This whisky showcases the ingenuity of Elixir Distillers in crafting a spirit that not only honours the lost Cambus Distillery — one of Scotland’s historic Lowland grain producers — but also tells a story inspired by William Shakespeare’s Macbeth. It is the first release in the Ghosts series within the broader Macbeth – Act One collection, a limited‑edition project that pairs rare single casks with iconic literary characters.

Cambus Distillery, once a cornerstone of grain whisky production in Scotland’s Lowlands, operated from 1836 until its closure in 1993. Since then, limited bottlings from its deep‑cask stocks have become greatly prized by collectors and connoisseurs. The First Ghost expression was distilled in 1992 and matured for 31 years in American oak refill hogsheads, allowing time for a refined and layered flavour profile to develop. In 2023, it was bottled at 46.2% ABV, with natural colour and non‑chill‑filtered presentation, ensuring the spirit’s integrity and complexity remain intact.

This release forms part of a series inspired by the characters of Macbeth, where each whisky represents an apparition, noble or spirit drawn from Shakespeare’s tragedy. The Ghosts subset — of which this Cambus is the First Ghost — focuses on whisky from “silent” distilleries, those that have since closed and live on through rare releases. Each bottle features artwork by legendary illustrator Sir Quentin Blake, with tasting notes and narratives contributed by acclaimed whisky writer Dave Broom, giving each dram cultural context and artistic depth.

Aromatic and Tasting Experience

On the nose, the Cambus 31 Year Old opens with elegant and delicate aromas that reflect both its age and grain character. Expect notes of green fruits, lime zest and gooseberry, alongside softer scents of vanilla wafers and coconut milk. These aromatics give an impression of freshness balanced with the maturity that comes with decades in oak.

The palate evolves with a creamy and inviting texture. Soft hints of fresh cream and custard are supported by subtle oak influence, while layers of vanilla, cashew butter and golden syrup enrich each sip. The interplay of creaminess and restrained oak spice ensures the whisky remains engaging without overwhelming the senses.

The finish is long and satisfying, with lingering notes of coconut milk, vanilla ice cream and a touch of freshly sawn oak. This gentle and refined conclusion makes the whisky ideal for neat sipping and thoughtful appreciation, particularly in a tulip or Glencairn glass that allows its nuances to express fully.

Context, Creativity and Collector Appeal

What sets the Cambus 31 Year Old – First Ghost apart is not just its age or rarity, but also the cultural narrative that frames it. Unlike standard commercial releases, this whisky is part of a curated artistic series that connects literature, visual art and whisky craftsmanship. The Macbeth Ghosts series is conceived as a journey through the supernatural elements of the play, with each “ghost” dram embodying an ethereal presence — an apt metaphor for whisky from a distillery that no longer operates.

Only a limited number of bottles were made available — often around 650 units for this bottling — underscoring its collectible nature. For whisky collectors and investors, the combination of a defunct distillery, significant age and unique thematic presentation adds notable appeal. Meanwhile, for enthusiasts and researchers, it provides an excellent case study in how long‑term oak maturation influences single grain whisky character.

Dauntless in its expression yet refined in delivery, the Cambus 31 Year Old – First Ghost invites drinkers to explore beyond mainstream single malts and discover the rewarding complexity that aged grain whisky can offer. Whether enjoyed as part of a premium tasting flight, presented at a collector’s showcase, or savoured during a reflective moment, this whisky offers both sensory and intellectual enrichment.

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