Glencadam Reserva Andalucía

Glencadam from the distillery, at 46%. Glencadam is a Highland single malt, the last distillery in Brechin and the only one in Angus. Its stills carry lyne arms angled upward, raising the reflux for a lighter, fruitier spirit. Its water comes from Loch Lee in the Cairngorms, piped down through the River Esk catchment. It became a core malt of the Ballantine's blend after Hiram Walker bought it in 1954.

It was taken gently through wash and spirit stills, for a creamy, fruity make with real elegance. It was fully matured in an Oloroso cask, the wood deep in the fruity spirit. Without an age statement, a fresh pear note and vanilla point to good years in cask. Vanillin and oak lactones from the wood lend vanilla and a soft coconut over the fruit. The clean, fruity spirit deepens with time, the cask drawing out a creamy honey. A soft, creamy texture from the spirit carries through the maturation.

Bottled at 46%, it is light and creamy. Apple, apricot and a gentle spice, with dried fruit, fig and walnut from the cask. A light orchard fruit and a soft spice give it shape. The finish is rounded, fruity and clean. This is a gently fruity, creamy Highland malt.