Glencadam 19 Years Old

A distillery release of Glencadam, a 19 year old, at 46%, 6000 bottles in all. Glencadam is a Highland single malt known for a delicate, fruity, creamy style. It became a core malt of the Ballantine's blend after Hiram Walker bought it in 1954. Its water comes from Loch Lee in the Cairngorms, piped down through the River Esk catchment.

Distilled from unpeated malt, giving a light, clean, creamy Highland spirit. After ex-Bourbon maturation it was finished in an Oloroso cask, the wine working into the delicate spirit. At oxidative maturity aldehydes lend a nutty edge while ellagitannins draw a gentle, drying grip across the fruit. Long ageing turns the fresh pear towards tropical fruit, honey and a gentle spice. The clean, fruity spirit deepens with time, the cask drawing out a creamy honey. First fill wood drives the maturation, the cask clear in the light spirit.

At 46% it is smooth and fruity. Pear drops, melon and a soft barley sugar, with dried fruit, fig and walnut from the cask. The body is light and creamy, the fruit lifted by a soft oak. The finish runs delicate, fruity and creamy. This is a fresh, fruity Highland single malt.