Glencadam 30 Years Old 1982

A distillery release of Glencadam, a 30 year old, from 1982, cask 730, at 46%, 240 bottles in all. Glencadam is a Highland single malt known for a delicate, fruity, creamy style. In the 1890s the Glasgow blender Gilmour Thomson used its malt in a Royal blend said to be favoured by Edward VII. 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.

Distilled in onion shaped copper pot stills, for a fine, fruity spirit with a light body. Maturation came in ex-Bourbon wood, the oak gentle behind the fruity spirit. Ethereal and fragile, the decades draw it to a honeyed, waxy delicacy of tropical fruit and old oak. 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.

Reduced to 46%, it is mellow and fragrant. A clean, fruity sweetness with a floral lift, lifted by a soft oak. It is fruity and gently creamy, the delicate spirit shining through. A fresh finish closes on pear and a soft oak. This is a light, fruity Highland single malt.