Funkytown 20 Year Old Cameronbridge ex-Bourbon Cask

What’s in a name?

Why did we call it funkytown? Well, it’s not because the town of Leven where this was distilled is a particularly Funky town although I’m sure it has it’s moments, but rather for the flavour. Often we talk about some single malts being funky, as in holding a flavour and mouthfeel that is hard to describe any other way. This is particularly true of Campbeltown whiskies or others with really long fermentation times. It is very unusual to see a single grain with as interesting a flavour profile as this. It is a really funky whisky.

Where has the funk come from? 

We don’t really know… that’s part of the funky voodoo. However, here is a somewhat speculative and honest information dump. Cameronbridge is a powerhouse distillery which produces vast quantities of scotch whisky. As a result, all sorts of different casks are sourced to mature the spirit depending on availability and budgets at the time. However, we can safely say that most of what is filled are Hogsheads. Hogsheads are made up from ex-bourbon barrels (circa 200 litres volume) which have been used for maturing whisky previously. They are sent in bulk to a cooperage where a cooper will break them apart and reform larger casks from the recycled staves. These are called Hogsheads (circa 250 litres). These have lots of benefits; they’re very effective for increasing storage capacity, larger casks are more stable over the years for evaporative losses, and the less active wood won’t overcook the spirit if it’s left to lie a very long time. Best of all, they are cheap.

So what this means is that most Hogsheads make decent enough but pretty un-remarkable whisky in short to medium term maturation. However, every once and a while, the stars align and you get a cracker. Welcome to Funkytown at 20 years old.

Stewed apples, custard, vanilla, canned lychees, nutmeg and a bowl of Frosties served with an extra dollop of funk. The cask has added bags of flavour here and time has mellowed, matured and evolved the spirit over the generous aging period. The result is a rare complexity and deliciousness. Bottled at natural cask strength and natural colour.