Glencadam Single Cask #PX1 19 Years Old 1998 (Pedro Ximenez)

Glencadam from the distillery, a 19 year old, from 1998, cask PX1, at 54.2%, 643 bottles in all. Glencadam is a Highland single malt, long a core flavour of the Ballantine's blend. Its stills carry lyne arms angled upward, raising the reflux for a lighter, fruitier spirit. 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, giving a light, clean, creamy Highland spirit. It was fully matured in a Pedro Ximenez cask, the wood deep in the fruity spirit. At oxidative maturity aldehydes lend a nutty edge while ellagitannins draw a gentle, drying grip across the fruit. First fill wood drives the maturation, the cask clear in the light spirit. Vanillin and oak lactones from the wood lend vanilla and a soft coconut over the fruit. Active wood frames the fruit without ever crowding the light Highland spirit.

At 54.2%, undiluted, it is rich and fruity. A clean, fruity sweetness with a floral lift, with raisin, date and treacle from the cask. A light orchard fruit and a soft spice give it shape. It finishes light, fresh and faintly creamy. This is a fresh, fruity Highland single malt.