Glencadam 15 Years Old 2006 (Port Cask)

Glencadam from the distillery, a 15 year old, from 2006, at 46%, 3684 bottles in all. Glencadam is a Highland single malt, founded in 1825 in Angus, in the eastern Highlands. It became a core malt of the Ballantine's blend after Hiram Walker bought it in 1954. It is the only distillery in Angus, and the last in Brechin since North Port closed in 1983.

The spirit was distilled in onion shaped copper pot stills, for a fine, fruity spirit with a light body. It was fully matured in a Port cask, the wood deep in the fruity spirit. Through oxidative maturity the esters concentrate, the orchard fruit turning to mango, pineapple and a waxy honey. Years in oak deepen the spirit to old gold, the body growing rounder and creamier with time. First fill wood drives the maturation, the cask clear in the light spirit. Vanillin and oak lactones from the wood lend vanilla and a soft coconut over the fruit.

Reduced to 46%, it is mellow and fragrant. A delicate, tropical fruit with a soft body, with red berry, plum and a dry spice from the cask. A green apple and a gentle citrus lift the middle. The finish runs delicate, fruity and creamy. This is Glencadam's creamy, fruity Highland character.