Glencadam 11 Years Old 2011 Cask #800116 (Signatory)

Signatory Vintage, the Edinburgh house that bottles at Edradour above Pitlochry, bottled this Glencadam, distilled in 2011, from cask 800116, at 62.6%, one of 202 bottles. Glencadam is a Highland single malt, revived under Angus Dundee ownership in 2003. The distillery markets itself on a deliberately delicate house style, all orchard and tropical fruit. It was founded in 1825 by the merchant George Cooper, soon after the Excise Act made licensed distilling viable.

The spirit was taken gently through wash and spirit stills, building a soft malt of orchard fruit and a creamy sweetness. A bourbon barrel held it, the wood adding a soft honey over the orchard fruit. In integration coconut and vanilla knit with the malt, the pear softening towards a creamy honey. Vanillin and oak lactones from the wood lend vanilla and a soft coconut over the fruit. Active wood frames the fruit without ever crowding the light Highland spirit.

At 62.6%, undiluted, it is rich and fruity. Apple, apricot and a gentle spice, lifted by a soft oak. It is fruity and gently creamy, the delicate spirit shining through. The finish runs delicate, fruity and creamy. This is a fresh, fruity Highland single malt.