Clan Campbell 5 Year Old Light Blended Scotch Whisky

Clan Campbell is one of the best known, biggest and oldest clans in the Scottish north, since the 13th Century. So it comes as no surprise that they have a whisky named after them. The blend Clan Campbell has been on the market since 1948. The brand is currently owned by Chivas and one of the biggest sellers in France. I found an old miniature in my cupboards – with age statement! – at 43%.

The nose offers a mix of red fruit and bicycle tyres, followed by diesel and toffee apples. Funny mix. But not bad, in fact. Hint of Turkish Delight and peach. This is more than funny.

Unfortunately the arrival is very weak, almost watery. Luckily – despite being overly sweet – the taste is not all bad. Caramel, sugar water, rosewater (a lot!), baked apples with cinnamon. And a metallic hint, which is probably a bit of OBE in this case. Nice spiciness on cinnamon and cloves. I do believe some sherry matured whisky went into the mix.

The finish is sweet, sweeter, sweetest. And it has to be said: short.

Much better than its current version, but that did not take much effort. Far from a winner, but a nice old blend nonetheless.