Glencadam 14 Years Old 2011 Cask #180531 (Jewish Whisky Company)

Jewish Whisky Company bottled this Glencadam, a 14 year old, distilled in 2011, from cask 180531, at 56.2%, one of 251 bottles. Glencadam is a Highland single malt, founded in 1825 in Angus, in the eastern Highlands. It was bought by Angus Dundee Distillers in 2003, who also own Tomintoul, ending a three year closure. The distillery markets itself on a deliberately delicate house style, all orchard and tropical fruit.

It was taken gently through wash and spirit stills, giving a light, clean, creamy Highland spirit. Maturation came in an Oloroso cask, layered over the delicate Glencadam make. By the integrating teens the raw notes fade and esters build, the fruity spirit growing rounder and creamier. Active wood frames the fruit without ever crowding the light Highland spirit. First fill wood drives the maturation, the cask clear in the light spirit.

At a hearty 56.2% it carries real weight. Apple, apricot and a gentle spice, with dried fruit, fig and walnut from the cask. Beneath it run pear, apple and a soft cream. Green apple, citrus and a soft oak see it out. This is a fresh, fruity Highland single malt.