Glencadam 14 Years Old 2003

This official Glencadam, a 14 year old, from 2003, cask BB 197, at 62.8%, 266 bottles in all. Glencadam is a Highland single malt, long a core flavour of the Ballantine's blend. It is the only distillery in Angus, and the last in Brechin since North Port closed in 1983. In the 1890s the Glasgow blender Gilmour Thomson used its malt in a Royal blend said to be favoured by Edward VII.

It was drawn from a long fermentation, giving a light, clean, creamy Highland spirit. 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. 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. Active wood frames the fruit without ever crowding the light Highland spirit.

Bottled at a cask strength 62.8%, it is concentrated. Apple, apricot and a gentle spice, lifted by a soft oak. The body is light and creamy, the fruit lifted by a soft oak. The finish runs delicate, fruity and creamy. This is the gentle, fruity malt of the eastern Highlands.