Glencadam 12 Years Old 2008

A 12 year old Glencadam, a distillery bottling, from 2008, cask 881, at 62.5%, 236 bottles in all. Glencadam is a Highland single malt whose upward angled lyne arms give a light, fruity spirit. Most of its make long went to blends; bottled single malt Glencadam was rare until a full range arrived. It was bought by Angus Dundee Distillers in 2003, who also own Tomintoul, ending a three year closure.

The spirit was 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. Through integration spirit and wood marry, vanillin rounding out as esters lend a riper orchard and tropical fruit. Maturation runs slow and even in the cool, racked Highland warehouses. Years in oak deepen the spirit to old gold, the body growing rounder and creamier with time.

At a hearty 62.5% it carries real weight. Melon, pear and a soft, creamy sweetness, 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 Highland single malt of real finesse.