Glencadam 17 Years Old (Oloroso Cask)

A 17 year old Glencadam, a distillery bottling, from 2006, at 46%, 4188 bottles in all. Glencadam is a Highland single malt known for a delicate, fruity, creamy style. Most of its make long went to blends; bottled single malt Glencadam was rare until a full range arrived.

It was distilled from unpeated malt, giving a light, clean, creamy Highland spirit. An Oloroso cask held it, drawing the light spirit on over the years. Through oxidative maturity the esters concentrate, the orchard fruit turning to mango, pineapple and a waxy honey. A soft, creamy texture from the spirit carries through the maturation. Active wood frames the fruit without ever crowding the light Highland spirit. Maturation runs slow and even in the cool, racked Highland warehouses. First fill wood drives the maturation, the cask clear in the light spirit.

Reduced to 46%, it is mellow and fragrant. Melon, pear and a soft, creamy sweetness, with dried fruit, fig and walnut from the cask. The body is light and creamy, the fruit lifted by a soft oak. Green apple, citrus and a soft oak see it out. This is the gentle, fruity malt of the eastern Highlands.