Glencadam 21 Years Old 1990 (World Single Malt)

World Single Malt bottled this Glencadam, a 21 year old, distilled in 1990, at 46%, one of 318 bottles. Glencadam is a Highland single malt, founded in 1825 in Angus, in the eastern Highlands. It became a core malt of the Ballantine's blend after Hiram Walker bought it in 1954. It was bought by Angus Dundee Distillers in 2003, who also own Tomintoul, ending a three year closure. In the 1890s the Glasgow blender Gilmour Thomson used its malt in a Royal blend said to be favoured by Edward VII.

Run slowly off the spirit still, for a fine, fruity spirit with a light body. It rested in ex-Bourbon oak, oak lactones lending a creamy vanilla. Through oxidative maturity the esters concentrate, the orchard fruit turning to mango, pineapple and a waxy honey. Years in oak deepen the spirit to old gold, the body growing rounder and creamier with time. Active wood frames the fruit without ever crowding the light Highland spirit.

Bottled at 46%, it is light and creamy. Pear, apple and a soft cream, lifted by a soft oak. The mouthfeel is light and creamy, carrying the fruit. The finish is rounded, fruity and clean. This is a gently fruity, creamy Highland malt.