Glencadam 15 - 46%

 

Located in the town of Brechin, Glencadam has been producing whisky since 1825 and is highly prized by blenders for it's ability to add the top note to their whiskies. It's believed the spirit owes it's light, fresh character to the unusual design of their stills.

Whilst the stills in most distilleries have a Lyne arm which is angled downwards, the Lyne arms at Glencadam differ in that they run upwards at an angle of 15 degrees which is thought to increase reflux and copper contact in the same way as much taller stills, whilst also ensuring the heavier compounds are returned back to the still. The result is a cleaner, lighter spirit.

In addition to racked warehousing, Glencadam also have two dunnage warehouses, one with a concrete floor whilst the other has a traditional open earth floor.

Distillery notes

Glencadam Distillery opened in 1825, and since then little has changed to our award-winning whisky. The entire Glencadam range is bottled at 46%, is unchillfiltered and is natural in colour.

Multi-award winning Glencadam Highland Single Scotch Malt Whisky Aged 15 Years is a fine example of centuries of craftsmanship and tradition. "The rather dignified" malt with a beautifully mouth-watering, juicy flavour.

Nose: Salty notes with a balance of sweetness. Delicate, elegant and charming

Palate: Juicy cut-grass freshness with a mouth-watering malty signature. Restrained sweetness caressed by soft oak

Finish: Medium length. Oak balancing sweeter characteristics with malty reprise

Colour: Pale gold

Tasting Notes:

Appearance: Pale straw colour, swirling forms a thin line which beads and falls as slow, thin legs. 

Nose: Zesty lemon, fresh, fruity and aromatic. Light vanilla, a little saltiness, freshly mown grass and gentle nutty oak.

Palate: Oily entrance, turning creamier. Fresh lemon zest, green apples, a touch of pineapple and kiwi fruit, a hint of vanilla, lemon barley water, cut grass and sharp, peppery spice.

Finish: Long, sweet barley sugar, green apple, peppery oak spice and a little anise late on.

Summary: The Glencadam spirit character shines through in this whisky. Bearing strong similarities to the 10 year old expression but feeling like a more grown up version, the use of a higher percentage of first fill ex-bourbon barrels (60% compared to 50% in the 10 year old) and the extra maturation has created a more rounded whisky with an added layer of complexity. 

Current price is a little over £55 at Master of Malt, for which you get a refined, elegant summer whisky. 

If you would like to know more about Glencadam and their whiskies, follow the link to the company website.

Transparency: this sample pack and tasting session was by invitation of Angus Dundee Distillers plc. The author has no affiliation with the company, all opinions are my own and remain completely impartial.