Glencadam 8 Years Old 2012 Cask #900015 (A.D. Rattray)

A.D. Rattray, the Morrison family bottler with its shop in the old village school at Kirkoswald on the Ayrshire coast, bottled this Glencadam, distilled in 2012, from cask 900015, at 64.9%, one of 319 bottles. Glencadam is a Highland single malt whose upward angled lyne arms give a light, fruity spirit. It was founded in 1825 by the merchant George Cooper, soon after the Excise Act made licensed distilling viable. It is the only distillery in Angus, and the last in Brechin since North Port closed in 1983. Most of its make long went to blends; bottled single malt Glencadam was rare until a full range arrived.

The spirit was worked unhurried through the stillhouse, for a fine, fruity spirit with a light body. Ex-Bourbon casks held it, the American oak lending vanilla and a light honey. Young and extractive, the cask sheds vanillin and toasted sugars over the clean, fruity spirit. Years in oak deepen the spirit to old gold, the body growing rounder and creamier with time.

At 64.9%, undiluted, it is rich and fruity. Pear, apple and a soft cream, lifted by a soft oak. Beneath it run pear, apple and a soft cream. The finish runs delicate, fruity and creamy. This is a gently fruity, creamy Highland malt.