Glencadam 28 Years Old 1991 Cask #6031901

This Glencadam comes from Gordon and MacPhail, the Elgin grocer laying down casks on South Street since 1895, a 28 year old, distilled in 1991, from cask 6031901, at 41%, one of 290 bottles. Glencadam is a Highland single malt whose upward angled lyne arms give a light, fruity spirit. It was bought by Angus Dundee Distillers in 2003, who also own Tomintoul, ending a three year closure. It became a core malt of the Ballantine's blend after Hiram Walker bought it in 1954.

Worked unhurried through the stillhouse, for a creamy, fruity make with real elegance. It was matured in an Oloroso cask, the wood working into the fruity malt. At this evaporative stage ellagitannins lend structure while oxidation builds a richer tropical fruit over beeswax. Years in oak deepen the spirit to old gold, the body growing rounder and creamier with time. First fill wood drives the maturation, the cask clear in the light spirit.

At an approachable 41% it is fresh and clean. A clean, fruity sweetness with a floral lift, with dried fruit, fig and walnut from the cask. A light orchard fruit and a soft spice give it shape. A long, fruity finish carries a creamy honey. This is a light, creamy Highland single malt.