Glencadam 10 Years Old 2011 Cask #800139 (Signatory)

A Glencadam of a 10 year old chosen by Signatory Vintage, distilled in 2011, from cask 800139, at 46%, bottled for a whisky festival. Glencadam is a gentle, fruity Highland malt of orchard and tropical fruit. Its single malts are bottled at 46 percent, without chill filtration or added colour. It was founded in 1825 by the merchant George Cooper, soon after the Excise Act made licensed distilling viable. Its water comes from Loch Lee in the Cairngorms, piped down through the River Esk catchment. It is the only distillery in Angus, and the last in Brechin since North Port closed in 1983.

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. Maturation runs slow and even in the cool, racked Highland warehouses.

At 46% it is smooth and fruity. Apple, apricot and a gentle spice, lifted by a soft oak. A light orchard fruit and a soft spice give it shape. A fresh finish closes on pear and a soft oak. This is a light, creamy Highland single malt.