Glencadam Reserva de Porto Tawny

Glencadam from the distillery, at 46%. Glencadam is a Highland single malt, long a core flavour of the Ballantine's blend. Its single malts are bottled at 46 percent, without chill filtration or added colour. Its water comes from Loch Lee in the Cairngorms, piped down through the River Esk catchment. It was bought by Angus Dundee Distillers in 2003, who also own Tomintoul, ending a three year closure.

Drawn from a long fermentation, for the delicate, fruity make Glencadam is known for. Maturation came in a Tawny Port cask, layered over the delicate Glencadam make. Carrying no age, soft vanillin and orchard fruit suggest a fair spell in oak. Years in oak deepen the spirit to old gold, the body growing rounder and creamier with time. Because the upward lyne arms keep the spirit light, the cask shows clearly through the years. Long ageing turns the fresh pear towards tropical fruit, honey and a gentle spice.

At 46% it is smooth and fruity. Pear, apple and a soft cream, with a nutty, raisined red fruit from the cask. A light orchard fruit and a soft spice give it shape. The finish runs delicate, fruity and creamy. This is Glencadam's creamy, fruity Highland character.