Glencadam 27 Years Old 1994 Cask #4016

Gordon and MacPhail, the Elgin grocer laying down casks on South Street since 1895, bottled this Glencadam, distilled in 1994, from cask 4016, at 49.9%, one of 159 bottles. Glencadam is a gentle, fruity Highland malt of orchard and tropical fruit. Its single malts are bottled at 46 percent, without chill filtration or added colour. Its water comes from Loch Lee in the Cairngorms, piped down through the River Esk catchment.

The spirit was drawn from a long fermentation, for a creamy, fruity make with real elegance. A refill bourbon hogshead held it, keeping the fresh, fruity character to the fore. Through the evaporative decades the esters fold into mango, beeswax and a creamy honey. Because the upward lyne arms keep the spirit light, the cask shows clearly through the years. Vanillin and oak lactones from the wood lend vanilla and a soft coconut over the fruit.

Bottled at a cask strength 49.9%, it is concentrated. A light orchard fruit and a green herb, lifted by a soft oak. Soft pear and a creamy vanilla sit behind the cask. A fresh finish closes on pear and a soft oak. This is a Highland single malt of real finesse.