Glencadam 13 Years Old (Sauternes Cask)

This official Glencadam, a 13 year old, from 2008, at 46%, 3042 bottles in all. Glencadam is a Highland single malt whose upward angled lyne arms give a light, fruity spirit. It was founded in 1825 by the merchant George Cooper, soon after the Excise Act made licensed distilling viable. It is the only distillery in Angus, and the last in Brechin since North Port closed in 1983.

It was taken gently through wash and spirit stills, for the delicate, fruity make Glencadam is known for. It was fully matured in a Sauternes cask, the wood deep in the fruity spirit. In integration coconut and vanilla knit with the malt, the pear softening towards a creamy honey. Active wood frames the fruit without ever crowding the light Highland spirit. Maturation runs slow and even in the cool, racked Highland warehouses. Years in oak deepen the spirit to old gold, the body growing rounder and creamier with time.

Reduced to 46%, it is mellow and fragrant. A light orchard fruit and a green herb, with honeyed apricot and a candied citrus from the cask. A light orchard fruit and a soft spice give it shape. The close is light and clean, fruit over a gentle oak. This is a light, creamy Highland single malt.