Glencadam 16 Years Old 2005

A distillery release of Glencadam, a 16 year old, from 2005, cask 1, at 57.5%, 308 bottles in all. Glencadam is a Highland single malt whose upward angled lyne arms give a light, fruity spirit. The distillery markets itself on a deliberately delicate house style, all orchard and tropical fruit. Its single malts are bottled at 46 percent, without chill filtration or added colour.

It was drawn from a long fermentation, shaping a gentle, fragrant malt with a tropical lift. Maturation came in a Pedro Ximenez cask, layered over the delicate Glencadam make. At oxidative maturity aldehydes lend a nutty edge while ellagitannins draw a gentle, drying grip across the fruit. A soft, creamy texture from the spirit carries through the maturation. Active wood frames the fruit without ever crowding the light Highland spirit. Vanillin and oak lactones from the wood lend vanilla and a soft coconut over the fruit.

At a hearty 57.5% it carries real weight. A light orchard fruit and a green herb, with raisin, date and treacle from the cask. It is fruity and gently creamy, the delicate spirit shining through. The close is light and clean, fruit over a gentle oak. This is a gently fruity, creamy Highland malt.