Glencadam 21 Years Old 1974

Chosen by Gordon and MacPhail, the Elgin grocer laying down casks on South Street since 1895, this a 21 year old Glencadam, distilled in 1974, at 40%. Glencadam is a Highland single malt, long a core flavour of the Ballantine's blend. Most of its make long went to blends; bottled single malt Glencadam was rare until a full range arrived. It is the only distillery in Angus, and the last in Brechin since North Port closed in 1983.

Distilled in onion shaped copper pot stills, for the delicate, fruity make Glencadam is known for. It rested in ex-Bourbon oak, oak lactones lending a creamy vanilla. Into oxidative maturity, slow air builds tropical esters of mango and pineapple over a creamy depth. Maturation runs slow and even in the cool, racked Highland warehouses. Because the upward lyne arms keep the spirit light, the cask shows clearly through the years. Active wood frames the fruit without ever crowding the light Highland spirit.

Bottled at 40%, it is light and creamy. Pear, apple and a soft cream, lifted by a soft oak. Melon, pear and a creamy honey fill the middle. The finish is rounded, fruity and clean. This is a gently fruity, creamy Highland malt.