Cameron Bridge 26 Year Old – Special Releases 2022

The Cameron Bridge 26 Year Old – Special Releases 2022 is a remarkable and rare expression of Single Grain Scotch Whisky from Cameronbridge Distillery, crafted for inclusion in Diageo’s 2022 Special Releases — a highly anticipated annual series that showcases exceptional and sometimes unconventional whisky bottlings from across the company’s portfolio. This whisky stands out not only for its mature age but also for its bold flavour, cask strength delivery and the way it highlights the depth and versatility that grain whisky can achieve when afforded decades of patient maturation.

Cameronbridge, located in Fife, Scotland, is one of the largest and oldest grain whisky distilleries in Europe and has been producing spirit since the early 1800s. Much of its output traditionally went into blended Scotches like Johnnie Walker, Bell’s and J&B, but releases like this 26 year old single grain showcase the distillery’s potential as a standalone bottling. The 2022 Special Release — themed “Legends Untold Chapter 2” — celebrates rare expressions and mythic storytelling, embodied here by the whisky’s evocative title “The Knight’s Golden Triumph.”

Distillation, Maturation & Presentation

This whisky spent 26 years maturing in refill American oak casks, a choice that allows the natural character of the grain spirit to shine with minimal overt influence from the wood itself. Cameron Bridge’s continuous stills produce a spirit with a naturally smooth and honeyed profile, which — when matured for such a long period — expands into a rich, layered flavour experience. The Special Release was bottled in October 2022 at a robust 56.2 % ABV (cask strength), ensuring that the intricate maturation influences are preserved and delivered without dilution.

The packaging for this Special Release is equally noteworthy: illustrated by artists Kevin Tong and Ken Taylor, the label reflects the legend of a valiant knight returning after a 26‑year trial — a fitting metaphor for a whisky that has itself journeyed through decades of maturation.

Tasting Profile

Upon nosing, this 26 Year Old expresses a compelling aromatic profile that layers sweet cereal grain with ripe fruit and gentle spice. Expect delicate notes of herb garden, barley and crisp apple, interwoven with sweeter tropical fruit hints that evoke mango, papaya and peapods. Subtle toffee and oak shavings lend further depth to the overall perfume of the whisky.

On the palate, the whisky’s 26 years in refill bourbon casks show their worth. Silky and medium‑bodied, the spirit delivers espresso and rich butterscotch flavours alongside beeswax and caramel‑toffee. A layer of blackcurrant complexity leads into mint and oak, balancing sweetness with spice and a gentle oaky backbone.

The finish is long and warm, where oak, browned sugar and gentle warming spice linger, inviting slow sipping and considered reflection on the liquid’s development. Despite its age and strength, the whisky retains a vibrant quality that speaks to its disciplined maturation and the elegant nature of fine grain whisky.

Context & Appeal

The Special Releases series — curated by Diageo’s Master Blender Dr. Craig Wilson — is celebrated among whisky enthusiasts for pushing boundaries and presenting rare or unexpected expressions. Including an aged grain whisky like this Cameron Bridge 26 Year Old is particularly exciting because grain Scotch is far less commonly bottled at high ages compared to single malts, making this release a must‑see reference for collectors and connoisseurs alike.

Whether used in comparative tastings, as a collector’s showcase piece, or served neat in a Glencairn or tulip glass to appreciate its nuanced flavour evolution, this whisky delivers both educational insight and sensory reward. Its rarity and story — tied to both distillery heritage and mythic artwork — build additional layers of consumer trust and satisfaction, especially among enthusiasts seeking both narrative and quality in premium whiskies.

In essence, the Cameron Bridge 26 Year Old – Special Releases 2022 embodies the generous potential of grain spirit matured over decades — smooth, complex, layered and deeply rewarding. It stands as a testament to the craftsmanship found within Scotland’s Lowland grain tradition and Diageo’s ongoing commitment to showcasing the breadth of Scotch whisky styles.

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