Glencadam 15 Years Old (Bourbon Cask, Europe)

A distillery release of Glencadam, a 15 year old, at 40%. Glencadam is a Highland single malt, long a core flavour of the Ballantine's blend. In the 1890s the Glasgow blender Gilmour Thomson used its malt in a Royal blend said to be favoured by Edward VII. Its water comes from Loch Lee in the Cairngorms, piped down through the River Esk catchment.

Drawn from a long fermentation, for a creamy, fruity make with real elegance. It rested in ex-Bourbon oak, oak lactones lending a creamy vanilla. Into oxidative maturity, slow air builds tropical esters of mango and pineapple over a creamy depth. Because the upward lyne arms keep the spirit light, the cask shows clearly through the years. Years in oak deepen the spirit to old gold, the body growing rounder and creamier with time. Long ageing turns the fresh pear towards tropical fruit, honey and a gentle spice. Active wood frames the fruit without ever crowding the light Highland spirit.

At 40% it is smooth and fruity. Pear drops, melon and a soft barley sugar, lifted by a soft oak. The mouthfeel is light and creamy, carrying the fruit. The finish runs delicate, fruity and creamy. This is a light, fruity Highland single malt.