Glencadam 11 Years Old 2011 Cask #800151 (van Wees)

An 11 year old Glencadam from van Wees, distilled in 2011, from cask 800151, at 46%. Glencadam is a Highland single malt, long a core flavour of the Ballantine's blend. The distillery markets itself on a deliberately delicate house style, all orchard and tropical fruit. It was bought by Angus Dundee Distillers in 2003, who also own Tomintoul, ending a three year closure.

The spirit was distilled from unpeated malt, giving a light, clean, creamy Highland spirit. It was matured in refill ex-Bourbon oak, a soft vanilla beneath the fruit. Through integration spirit and wood marry, vanillin rounding out as esters lend a riper orchard and tropical fruit. Vanillin and oak lactones from the wood lend vanilla and a soft coconut over the fruit. First fill wood drives the maturation, the cask clear in the light spirit. Years in oak deepen the spirit to old gold, the body growing rounder and creamier with time.

At 46% it is fruity, creamy and soft. A light orchard fruit and a green herb, lifted by a soft oak. It is fruity and gently creamy, the delicate spirit shining through. Green apple, citrus and a soft oak see it out. This is a fresh, fruity Highland single malt.