William Cadenhead 12 Years Old (Cadenhead’s)

William Cadenhead 12 Years Old (Cadenhead's) is a 12 year old blended Scotch from Cadenhead's. It marries malt and grain whiskies, with Speyside malt such as Glenfarclas for a rich, fruity core. Glenfarclas is one of Speyside's last great family distilleries, long matured in sherry casks.

The Glenfarclas within gives dried fruit and a dark chocolate. Maturation came in ex-Bourbon wood, the oak gentle behind the spirit. The wood lends a gentle vanilla over the fruit. The components sit easily together, sherried fruit over a soft grain. The sherried Speyside malt gives it depth, the grain a lighter, sweeter lift. The finish is long and warm, fruit fading into a dry oak. A long marriage in cask leaves it smooth, sweet and deep. Age has knit the components together, the edges long since softened. The malt and grain marry over the years into a smooth, rounded whole. It drinks soft and full, the fruit carried on a gentle oak.

At 46% it is smooth and rich. Raisin, chocolate and a warm spice run through it. Dried fruit and a treacle sit behind the spice. The finish runs long, full and warming. A characterful blended Scotch.