Glencadam 17 Years Old (Bourbon Cask)

Glencadam from the distillery, a 17 year old, from 2008, at 46%, 6360 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. It is the only distillery in Angus, and the last in Brechin since North Port closed in 1983.

Drawn from a long fermentation, building a soft malt of orchard fruit and a creamy sweetness. A bourbon barrel held it, the wood adding a soft honey over the orchard fruit. Into oxidative maturity, slow air builds tropical esters of mango and pineapple over a creamy depth. Years in oak deepen the spirit to old gold, the body growing rounder and creamier with time. Vanillin and oak lactones from the wood lend vanilla and a soft coconut over the fruit. The clean, fruity spirit deepens with time, the cask drawing out a creamy honey.

Bottled at 46%, it is light and creamy. A clean, fruity sweetness with a floral lift, lifted by a soft oak. Beneath it run pear, apple and a soft cream. The finish runs delicate, fruity and creamy. This is the gentle, fruity malt of the eastern Highlands.