Glencadam 32 Years Old 1977 Cask #3080 (Creative Whisky Company)

A 32 year old Glencadam from Creative Whisky Company, distilled in 1977, from cask 3080, at 48.7%. Glencadam is a Highland single malt, long a core flavour of the Ballantine's blend. It was founded in 1825 by the merchant George Cooper, soon after the Excise Act made licensed distilling viable. Most of its make long went to blends; bottled single malt Glencadam was rare until a full range arrived. The distillery markets itself on a deliberately delicate house style, all orchard and tropical fruit. Its single malts are bottled at 46 percent, without chill filtration or added colour.

It was run slowly off the spirit still, shaping a gentle, fragrant malt with a tropical lift. It rested in ex-Bourbon oak, oak lactones lending a creamy vanilla. 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.

At 48.7%, undiluted, it is rich and fruity. Melon, pear and a soft, creamy sweetness, lifted by a soft oak. A green apple and a gentle citrus lift the middle. A fresh finish closes on pear and a soft oak. This is a light, creamy Highland single malt.