Glencadam 11 Years Old 2011 Cask #800149 (van Wees)

This Glencadam was bottled by van Wees, an 11 year old, distilled in 2011, from cask 800149, at 46%. Glencadam is a gentle, fruity Highland malt of orchard and tropical fruit. It became a core malt of the Ballantine's blend after Hiram Walker bought it in 1954. It is the only distillery in Angus, and the last in Brechin since North Port closed in 1983.

The spirit was drawn from a long fermentation, giving a light, clean, creamy Highland spirit. A bourbon barrel held it, the wood adding a soft honey over the orchard fruit. By the integrating teens the raw notes fade and esters build, the fruity spirit growing rounder and creamier. Years in oak deepen the spirit to old gold, the body growing rounder and creamier with time. Vanillin and oak lactones from the wood lend vanilla and a soft coconut over the fruit. Maturation runs slow and even in the cool, racked Highland warehouses.

Bottled at 46%, it is light and creamy. A clean, fruity sweetness with a floral lift, lifted by a soft oak. A light orchard fruit and a soft spice give it shape. Green apple, citrus and a soft oak see it out. This is a light, fruity Highland single malt.