Glencadam 17 Years Old Triple Cask Portwood Finish (Europe Exclusive)

A distillery release of Glencadam, a 17 year old, at 46%, 2700 bottles in all. Glencadam is a Highland single malt, long a blending malt and now bottled as a single malt in its own right. It is the only distillery in Angus, and the last in Brechin since North Port closed in 1983. In the 1890s the Glasgow blender Gilmour Thomson used its malt in a Royal blend said to be favoured by Edward VII. Its single malts are bottled at 46 percent, without chill filtration or added colour. It became a core malt of the Ballantine's blend after Hiram Walker bought it in 1954.

It was run slowly off the spirit still, for the delicate, fruity make Glencadam is known for. Ex-Bourbon matured, it was given a finish in a Port cask for a final sweetness. Through oxidative maturity the esters concentrate, the orchard fruit turning to mango, pineapple and a waxy honey. Maturation runs slow and even in the cool, racked Highland warehouses.

Bottled at 46%, it is light and creamy. Pear, melon and a light barley note, with red berry, plum and a dry spice from the cask. A green apple and a gentle citrus lift the middle. The finish is rounded, fruity and clean. This is a Highland single malt of real finesse.