Glencadam 10 Years Old 2011 (Elixir)

Elixir Distillers bottled this Glencadam, a 10 year old, distilled in 2011, at 48%. Glencadam is a Highland single malt, long a blending malt and now bottled as a single malt in its own right. It was founded in 1825 by the merchant George Cooper, soon after the Excise Act made licensed distilling viable. Its single malts are bottled at 46 percent, without chill filtration or added colour. It was bought by Angus Dundee Distillers in 2003, who also own Tomintoul, ending a three year closure.

Worked unhurried through the stillhouse, for a fine, fruity spirit with a light body. 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. Because the upward lyne arms keep the spirit light, the cask shows clearly through the years.

At a natural 48% it is full and creamy. A clean, fruity sweetness with a floral lift, lifted by a soft oak. It is fruity and gently creamy, the delicate spirit shining through. The finish is light, fruity and clean. This is a gently fruity, creamy Highland malt.