Glencadam 15yo

Glencadam was founded in 1825 and began production in 1827. The distillery changed hands several times over the next sixty-odd years, before being bought by Gilmour Thompson & Co. in 1891. The latter ran the distillery for over fifty years before selling to Hiram Walker, owners of the Ballantine's blend and several other distilleries, in the 1950s.

The new owners refurbished the distillery with two new stills in 1959 and ran Glencadam until the 1980s, when Hiram Walker was bought by Allied Lyons.

 An interesting feature at the distillery is the stills, whose lyne arms run at a 15-degree vertical angle instead of sloping downwards. This encourages greater reflux during distillation, giving a lighter, more delicate spirit.

Allied continued to run the distillery under the Ballantine's umbrella, but decided that they had been over-producing and closed the distillery in 2000. Thankfully Glencadam was not silent for long. In 2003 the London-based blenders and producers Angus Dundee bought and re-opened the distillery. The new owners have been a breath of fresh air, operating the distillery at full capacity (around one-and-a-half million litres/year) and re-vamping the range, with a 10 year-old, 15yo and the recently-released 30yo now available.

Glencadam 15yo

A great value and underrated Highland single malt. This whisky was solely matured in American oak bourbon casks and then bottled at 46% ABV at natural colour and un-chill filtered. The fruity, creamy, and sweet dram has scored big at various award shows, including recording an outstanding score of 98 points out of 100 at the 2022 International Wine & Spirits Competition.

Tasting Notes

Nose: Fragrant, spicy aromas like gingerbread and cinnamon cut through bright citrus, orchard fruit, and a little beeswax.

Palate: Oak char, marmalade, pineapple slices, and white grapes lead with rum spice, coconut milk, and Corinth raisins in support.

Finish: Fresh fruit on the tail, with hints of toasted oak.