Glencadam 15 Years (2006/2021)
The Glencadam 2006/2021 is a 15-year-old single malt from the Scottish Highlands, which has been finished in port wine casks. Here, sweet and spicy notes come together, making it an interesting, albeit not overly exciting whisky.
Tasting Notes
Nose
The aroma opens with a sweet note reminiscent of cherries and rhubarb pie, while a subtle wood spice shimmers in the background. After a few breaths, the creaminess comes through, almost as if biting into a freshly baked cake, while gummy bears and grains provide a childish touch. However, the initial sweetness is replaced by a light, almost shy bitterness that leaves one questioning.
Palate
The first sip is a sweet explosion that quickly transforms into a spicy complexity. Beeswax and red berry compote dance on the tongue, while the milk chocolate offers a familiar embrace. But then the walnut comes into play, providing an unexpected, slightly bitter counterpoint that challenges the sweetness.
Finish
The finish is medium-long and tingles pleasantly on the tongue, as light honey notes blend with spicy oak. Dark chocolate sneaks in, leaving a bittersweet aftertaste that almost compels one to take another sip. But the question remains: Is that enough to maintain interest?
Thoughts
Marcel 74/100 - (Very good)
The Glencadam offers a calm yet exciting transition from sweet to spicy, which makes it quite interesting. Unfortunately, the port wine does not really come into its own, which makes it seem a bit pale.
Sascha 80/100 - (Excellent)
The beautiful baseline and the spicy core character are definitely plus points that make the whisky pleasant. At the end of the day, however, it remains nothing special, which makes it somewhat fade into the crowd of Highland whiskies.
Value for Money: 2/5 (Expensive)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why was this whisky finished in port wine casks?
The finishing in port wine casks is intended to give the whisky additional fruitiness and complexity, even if the result is not always convincing.
How does aging in the Highlands affect the taste?
The cool, humid climate of the Highlands allows for slow maturation, which often leads to elegant and complex aromas, although not every whisky fully realizes its potential.
Is this whisky suitable for beginners?
Yes, the sweet and spicy notes make it accessible, but the lack of depth might disappoint experienced whisky drinkers.