Glencadam 10 Years Old 2012 (Murray McDavid)

A 10 year old Glencadam from Murray McDavid, distilled in 2012, at 46%, one of 919 bottles. Glencadam is a Highland single malt whose upward angled lyne arms give a light, fruity spirit. In the 1890s the Glasgow blender Gilmour Thomson used its malt in a Royal blend said to be favoured by Edward VII. It was bought by Angus Dundee Distillers in 2003, who also own Tomintoul, ending a three year closure. It was founded in 1825 by the merchant George Cooper, soon after the Excise Act made licensed distilling viable.

It was worked unhurried through the stillhouse, building a soft malt of orchard fruit and a creamy sweetness. A refill bourbon hogshead held it, keeping the fresh, fruity character to the fore. In integration coconut and vanilla knit with the malt, the pear softening towards a creamy honey. The clean, fruity spirit deepens with time, the cask drawing out a creamy honey. First fill wood drives the maturation, the cask clear in the light spirit.

At an approachable 46% it is fresh and clean. Pear drops, melon and a soft barley sugar, lifted by a soft oak. Soft pear and a creamy vanilla sit behind the cask. The finish is rounded, fruity and clean. This is a gently fruity, creamy Highland malt.