Price: $95 AUD
Purchased From: Dan Murphy’s
ABV: 46%
This is a bittersweet review for me. While Glencadam is one of my favourite distilleries, this is likely the last time I’ll be purchasing one of their old style bottles. Call me superficial, but I loved their old naff style bottles and I very much dislike their new branding. For years Glencadam has quietly gone about their business, some would say largely unnoticed by the whisky community. This has changed in recent years due to favourable reviews and spruiking by some well known whisky reviewers, and rightly so. I guess as long as the liquid in the bottle doesn’t change, that’s all that matters.
Nose
Vibrant and floral – I could nose this all day. Fresh cut grass, tropical fruits, citrus and gentle potpourri.
Taste
Light and delicate with a semi-oily mouthfeel; it’s something I love about Glencadam – it’s gentle yet bursting with flavour. Pear drops, green apples, lemon cheesecake, peaches, soft vanilla. This is followed with malt and cereal notes coming through and a medium, slightly drying finish.
Conclusion
The Glencadam I’ve come to know and love and one of the best entry level bottlings available. It doesn’t shout from the rooftop or overpower you. While Glencadam is now releasing a variety of maturations and finishes since being brought back to life in 2003, I always enjoy coming back to the 10-year-old to remember what this distillery and its spirit is about – light, delicate, no-nonsense whisky.