Glencadam Reserva Andalucia
With 46% ABV, uncoloured and non-chill filtered, this bottling promises honest craftsmanship. But can a NAS whisky, which was first matured in bourbon casks and then finished in Oloroso sherry butts, really convince? Or does the delicate Glencadam spirit disappear under the powerful sherry wave?
Tasting Notes
Nose
The nose starts with a surprise. While one often expects a dominant, almost overwhelming sweetness from a sherry cask finish, the Reserva Andalucia presents itself in a much more nuanced way. Yes, the raspberries are there, bright red and juicy, as if fresh from the market. But then comes this vinous note, reminiscent of a slightly opened Bordeaux, accompanied by light grapes that have retained their freshness. Things get interesting with the slivovitz character, that typical stone fruit sharpness that adds spice to the whole. The maltiness so characteristic of Glencadam fights its way bravely through the sherry notes. But then, and here's where it gets honest, a slightly musty undertone emerges. Nothing dramatic, but noticeable, as if the cask had perhaps waited a tad too long or experienced less than perfect conditions. Dried fruit notes are subtle, almost shy in the background.
Palate
Clove spice meets black pepper, a spicy combination that immediately makes its presence felt. The dates bring a darker, more caramelised sweetness to the fore than the raspberries on the nose would suggest. Honey coats the tongue with its creaminess, while woody notes form the structure. The sherry cask comes into its own here, but without completely overpowering the Glencadam spirit. You can still sense the distillery's typical fruitiness, albeit muted. The creamy texture is remarkable for 46% ABV, almost oily in a positive sense. The balance between sweetness and spice works surprisingly well, even though you can tell that strong spices play the leading role here.
Finish
The finish is powerful, but frankly a little shorter than one would wish for after such an intense palate. The oak now comes to the fore, accompanied by a slightly bitter note that is not unpleasant, but shows that the cask has taken its toll. Chilli brings an unexpected, almost spicy warmth, followed by white pepper, which adds an almost pungent component to the whole.
Thoughts
Marcel 73/100
The Glencadam Reserva Andalucia offers an intense tasting experience that delights with its spicy sherry notes and creamy texture. However, towards the finish it loses too much of the fruity freshness that is otherwise so typical of Glencadam – a slight dampener on the drinking pleasure. Overall, it’s a bold Highland whisky that could still benefit from a bit of refinement.
Sascha 75/100
This bottling shows a clear structure with a balanced sweetness and spice, where the Oloroso finish strongly shapes the woody notes. The integration of the sherry character works well, but the initial fruitiness is lost in the finish and a slight bitterness clouds the harmony. A technically solid whisky that sacrifices a bit of balance in its profile.
Value for Money: Good
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78/100Frequently Asked Questions
What does NAS mean in Glencadam Reserva Andalucia and how does it affect the whisky?
NAS stands for "No Age Statement," meaning no minimum age is specified for the whisky. In the case of Glencadam Reserva Andalucia, this means the whisky can contain various age components. This allows the Master Blender to achieve a specific flavor profile through selective cask blending but can make it harder for consumers to assess the whisky’s maturity.
How does the finish in Oloroso sherry butts influence the character of Glencadam Reserva Andalucia?
The finish in Oloroso sherry casks imparts an intense spiciness with notes of dried fruit, cloves, and black pepper. At the same time, it brings a robust sherry sweetness and woody tones that somewhat mute the typical Glencadam spirit but create a complex balance between fruitiness and spice.
Why is Glencadam Reserva Andalucia non-chillfiltered and natural color, and what does that mean for the taste?
Choosing to forgo chill filtration and coloring preserves the whisky’s natural aromas and full texture. This keeps the creamy oiliness intact, making the flavor more authentic and intense—especially important for a whisky with a sherry finish like the Reserva Andalucia.