Glencadam 25 Years Old Cask #Batch 3

This official Glencadam, a 25 year old, cask Batch 3, at 46%, 1030 bottles in all. Glencadam is a Highland single malt, founded in 1825 in Angus, in the eastern Highlands. Its stills carry lyne arms angled upward, raising the reflux for a lighter, fruitier spirit. Its water comes from Loch Lee in the Cairngorms, piped down through the River Esk catchment. The distillery markets itself on a deliberately delicate house style, all orchard and tropical fruit.

Taken gently through wash and spirit stills, building a soft malt of orchard fruit and a creamy sweetness. It rested in ex-Bourbon oak, oak lactones lending a creamy vanilla. At this evaporative stage ellagitannins lend structure while oxidation builds a richer tropical fruit over beeswax. Long ageing turns the fresh pear towards tropical fruit, honey and a gentle spice. Maturation runs slow and even in the cool, racked Highland warehouses.

At an approachable 46% it is fresh and clean. Apple, apricot and a gentle spice, lifted by a soft oak. The mouthfeel is light and creamy, carrying the fruit. A fresh finish closes on pear and a soft oak. This is Glencadam's creamy, fruity Highland character.