Glencadam Reserva de Porto Branco

This official Glencadam, at 46%. Glencadam is a Highland single malt whose upward angled lyne arms give a light, fruity spirit. It is the only distillery in Angus, and the last in Brechin since North Port closed in 1983. In the 1890s the Glasgow blender Gilmour Thomson used its malt in a Royal blend said to be favoured by Edward VII.

It was taken gently through wash and spirit stills, shaping a gentle, fragrant malt with a tropical lift. A Port cask held it, drawing the light spirit on over the years. Carrying no age, soft vanillin and orchard fruit suggest a fair spell in oak. Long ageing turns the fresh pear towards tropical fruit, honey and a gentle spice. Vanillin and oak lactones from the wood lend vanilla and a soft coconut over the fruit. A soft, creamy texture from the spirit carries through the maturation. Maturation runs slow and even in the cool, racked Highland warehouses.

At 46% it is smooth and fruity. Pear, apple and a soft cream, with red berry, plum and a dry spice from the cask. A green apple and a gentle citrus lift the middle. Green apple, citrus and a soft oak see it out. This is a light, fruity Highland single malt.