Glencadam 14 Years Old 2011 Cask #800060 (Archives)

A 14 year old Glencadam from Archives, distilled in 2011, from cask 800060, at 57.3%, one of 151 bottles. Glencadam is a Highland single malt, the last distillery in Brechin and the only one in Angus. It became a core malt of the Ballantine's blend after Hiram Walker bought it in 1954. Its single malts are bottled at 46 percent, without chill filtration or added colour. The distillery markets itself on a deliberately delicate house style, all orchard and tropical fruit. Its water comes from Loch Lee in the Cairngorms, piped down through the River Esk catchment.

It was worked unhurried through the stillhouse, shaping a gentle, fragrant malt with a tropical lift. Ex-Bourbon casks held it, the American oak lending vanilla and a light honey. By the integrating teens the raw notes fade and esters build, the fruity spirit growing rounder and creamier. A soft, creamy texture from the spirit carries through the maturation.

Bottled at a cask strength 57.3%, it is concentrated. A delicate, tropical fruit with a soft body, lifted by a soft oak. Melon, pear and a creamy honey fill the middle. The finish is rounded, fruity and clean. This is a Highland single malt of real finesse.