Glencadam 21 Years Old 1999

A distillery release of Glencadam, a 21 year old, from 1999, cask 1, at 55%, 667 bottles in all. Glencadam is a Highland single malt, revived under Angus Dundee ownership in 2003. It is the only distillery in Angus, and the last in Brechin since North Port closed in 1983.

The spirit was taken gently through wash and spirit stills, for the delicate, fruity make Glencadam is known for. It was matured in a Pedro Ximenez cask, the wood working into the fruity malt. Into oxidative maturity, slow air builds tropical esters of mango and pineapple over a creamy depth. Vanillin and oak lactones from the wood lend vanilla and a soft coconut over the fruit. Long ageing turns the fresh pear towards tropical fruit, honey and a gentle spice. First fill wood drives the maturation, the cask clear in the light spirit. Because the upward lyne arms keep the spirit light, the cask shows clearly through the years.

Bottled at a cask strength 55%, it is concentrated. Pear, apple and a soft cream, with raisin, date and treacle from the cask. It is fruity and gently creamy, the delicate spirit shining through. A fresh finish closes on pear and a soft oak. This is the gentle, fruity malt of the eastern Highlands.