The Cairn : 30 Year Old CRN57°

Tasting notes and characteristics of The Cairn 30 Years Old CRN57°

Tasting

Nose
The nose opens on indulgent, pastry-like aromas of rich fruitcake, candied citrus peel, cinnamon, soft caramel and Medjool dates. With aeration, the bouquet gains complexity, unveiling notes of polished old oak, cigar boxes, tobacco and antique books, subtly enhanced by hints of dark fruits, blood oranges and dried pears.

Palate
The attack is structured by a lively framework of spices and pepper, swiftly balanced by a generous fruity sweetness. The palate unfolds flavours of raisins, wild berries and caramelised nuts, wrapped in dark honey and dark chocolate. Noble oak provides a solid backbone, while delicate floral notes lighten the whole. The finish is broad, long and smooth, marked by liquorice, cocoa, aged tea and spices.

Food pairings and tasting moments
This exceptional spirit is ideally enjoyed during meditative tasting moments, at the end of a meal or in the evening. It is best savoured neat, possibly with one or two drops of water to unlock its full aromatic complexity. On the gastronomic side, it pairs wonderfully with rich yet lightly sweetened desserts, such as a dark chocolate fondant, a walnut tart or a candied citrus cake. It also sublimates blue-veined cheeses (Stilton, Roquefort) or long-aged hard cheeses (36-month Comté). Finally, it is an excellent companion for a medium to full-bodied cigar.

Mixology
Due to its venerable age, its rarity and its immense complexity, this exceptional product does not lend itself to mixology. We strongly recommend tasting it neat, without artifice, in order to respect and fully appreciate the patient work of maturation carried out over three decades.

Other characteristics
This spirit is an unpeated whisky. It is bottled at 43% ABV in a 70 cl format, and is offered without any specific packaging.

A richly layered Blended Malt Scotch Whisky by The Cairn

The Cairn: the vanguard of Scotch Whisky by Gordon & MacPhail

Founded very recently, between 2020 and 2022, The Cairn is an ultra-modern distillery located on the banks of the Spey, in the heart of the Cairngorms National Park. Created and run by the renowned independent bottler Gordon & MacPhail, its current owner, it embodies an innovative vision of Scotch whisky. The distillery stands out for its emblematic circular architecture topped by a green roof, designed to integrate sustainably into its natural surroundings. Under the stewardship of Master Blender Stuart Urquhart and Technical Director Mhairi Winters, The Cairn was designed to produce a robust, fruity and malty distillate, specifically crafted for very long maturations in sherry casks. Although its own single malts will not see the light of day until the 2030s, the distillery is already asserting its identity through exceptional blends.

The 30 Years Old CRN57°: a journey through time at the pinnacle of blending

The 30 Years Old CRN57° is a prestigious Blended Malt Scotch Whisky that holds pride of place at the summit of the brand's core range. This spirit rests on a fascinating concept: it has been meticulously blended from thirty-year-old malts sourced from other distilleries to foreshadow and replicate the aromatic profile that the distillery will produce at that precise age. It is a true journey three decades into the future.

Crafted without any trace of peat, this whisky draws its opulent richness from prolonged and generous maturation in sherry casks. This method of production gives the distillate a remarkable oxidative depth, where noble wood and spices intertwine harmoniously. The name of the cuvée directly echoes the identity of the distillery: "CRN" for The Cairn, and "57°" referring to the geographical latitude of its production site in the Highlands. Distributed by the Official Bottler, this bottle is aimed at discerning enthusiasts in search of a contemplative malt, offering an anticipatory and masterful glimpse of the distillery's future legacy.