The Cairn Distillery in Scotland Welcomes Visitors, But Its Whisky Will Need More Time

Gordon & MacPhail opened its second distillery, The Cairn, in 2022 within the stunning Cairngorms National Park. Although this modern distillery welcomes visitors, The Cairn single malt won’t be released until 2034 when the whisky reaches 12 years old. To fill the gap, the 130 year old independent bottler-turned distiller has introduced a new range of scotches designed as a glimpse ahead to The Cairn’s signature flavors. Named CRN57°, the range takes inspiration from both the cairn (a stack of stones used as a landmark or way marker) and the distillery’s latitude from the equator. Showcasing ultra-aged expressions unprecedented in the blended malt space, the collection spans from a non-age statement expression called Vision to an extraordinary 70 year old—the oldest blended malt ever released. Whisky maker Stuart Urquhart has drawn on Gordon & MacPhail’s vast library of mature casks to create whiskies for every budget, celebrating the company’s heritage while raising a glass to the future.

CRN57° Scotch Blended Malt Reviewed

89 points - CRN57° Vision, 43%, $40

Light-bodied and juicy, with fresh raspberries, cream, zesty lime, green apple, and pepper, followed by ripe figs, lemon throat lozenges, and orange soda.

89 points - CRN57° 18 year old, 43%, $100

The palate delivers honeyed richness balanced by vivid red fruits—raspberry, strawberry, and red currant—while a peppery tingle enlivens the tongue.

92 points - CRN57° 25 year old, 43%, $200

Sliced apple sharpness initially, with golden syrup, pineapple cubes, and gentle spices on this medium-weight blend, then deep tropical fruit flavors coat the mouth.

93 points - CRN57° 30 year old, 51.9%, $400

A beautifully sherried dram, it’s smooth and thickly textured, with fruitcake, red apple, cherry, and dark caramel.

88 points - CRN57° 40 year old, 43%, $40, $600

The palate begins with bitter dark chocolate, walnut, tobacco, stewed fruits, and pepper, but there’s a lack of sweetness and the oak tannins become overpowering.

91 points - CRN57° 57 year old, 43.1%, $5,000

Sweet toffee and sherry fruit lead the palate, backed by baked citrus, plum, and ground pepper before taking a darker turn with leather, cherry cake, tobacco leaf, and fig.

93 points - CRN57° 70 year old, 45%, $7,500

Incredible freshness, with honey-glazed apple, banana chip, sweet oak, caramelized peanuts, and vanilla, graces the taste buds.