Glencadam 14 Year Oloroso Cask Finish

The aroma immediately brings to mind sherry and oak, as expected. Hints of orange peel and a touch of vanilla are present, along with some mild ginger-pepper spice. It offers a pleasant, standard sherry-influenced nose, though not overwhelmingly so. The initial taste is light, featuring juicy and slightly spicy fruit and sherry notes. It develops with oak and malt becoming more prominent, accompanied by a significant amount of gingery spice. The palate is rich but not excessively sweet, striking a nice balance between dryness and juiciness. The malt is clean and creamy. Subtle warm spices like ground ginger and allspice, along with a hint of nuttiness, emerge. It gains intensity, leading to a warming sensation in the late stages. The finish is unexpectedly lengthy, leaving behind memories of sherry and oak. Rather than a sherry-bomb, this whisky is more akin to sherry-cordite. It presents a crisp, clean profile with distinct aromas and flavors. While not overly complex, its straightforward character is delivered with precision and honesty. It bears some resemblance to GlenDronach 12 year "Original," though that whisky exhibits more pronounced oakiness upfront; both are heavily influenced by their casks. This one is slightly drier, but both serve as excellent examples of sherry-matured whiskies. While not my preferred style, it is executed well here, featuring a classic fruity nose, a malty cereal palate, and a woody finish. Adding a splash of water broadens the aroma and introduces a faint hint of honey, but it diminishes the spirit's punch when consumed neat. It's debatable whether water improves it. On the palate, water introduces some sweetness but adds little else. I would suggest enjoying this one neat. This is a skillfully made whisky, and I concur with the official tasting notes that it would serve admirably as an aperitif, especially on a cool evening when its warming quality would be most welcome. "Very Good": 86/100 (4 stars)

This is actually the 15-year-old, but it's unavailable: I need to sample this in a proper Glencairn glass, so this review is incomplete. Some intriguing flavors (light, green fruit, honey) on the nose. However, there's a significant alcohol burn upon arrival and in the finish, with a fairly subdued middle (both alcohol and flavors). I'll try it again in a proper glass and add another tasting note soon:)

Almost perfect: nutty aroma, slightly sweet taste, unfolds in waves. The aftertaste is long and pleasant.

ok, no smoke, burns, but maybe because it's freshly opened. I would rather not buy it