Glencadam Origin 1825

I decided to contribute to our sample group this morning by trying the Glencadam Origins 1825 single malt. The distillery lists this malt as unavailable in the U.S. market, but a quick search found it readily available here for a paltry sum of around $45-50. That's not a bad price for what you get, in my opinion. This is a no-age-statement whisky from the Highlands/Speyside region bottled at the industry minimum of 40% ABV. It has a very light gold color in the tasting glass and slowly forms some watery legs when given a vigorous swirl. The legs turn into droplets as it begins to settle, indicating a significant amount of water was added to reduce the alcohol percentage. I wonder what the overall flavor profile would be at cask strength? As it is, the nose is extremely sweet and floral. There's also some fresh-cut oak, but I primarily detect candied citrus fruits on the nose. It's reminiscent of those sugary candy balls, wrapped in cellophane, that your grandmother always kept in a cheap crystal bowl on the living room coffee table. You know, the ones that are really sweet with a lot of artificial citrus flavor. I personally couldn't keep my hands off of them, and my old grandma knew it. I miss that sweet lady. On the palate, I get those sweet, vanilla creams that are initially very smooth and cavity-inducing, but they turn a bit harsh by mid-sip. That's likely evidence of the young whisky used here, I believe. There's still a generally light mouthfeel, even into the finish. Speaking of the finish, it's not long or particularly hot, but it leaves a lingering warmth as it fades surprisingly smoothly. I don't detect any sherry notes, even though this one is advertised as being finished in Oloroso casks. The duration must have been brief. My initial impression was that this is a pretty good imitation of the Glenmorangie Milsean, a whisky that Glenmorangie charges over $100 a bottle for. Yes, the overall profile was a bit more robust with that one, but the sweetness was off the charts, just like here. I'd gladly pay less than half the asking price for the Glencadam, but you really need to be in the mood for a candied whisky to truly enjoy either. Sure, there's a time and a place for this, and I'd even admit it could become a guilty pleasure if I had a bottle of this around. It's far better than those little candies my grandma used to give me. Thanks to a friend for providing this for our group to enjoy. I know on their review they called it a dud, but I disagree. It's a light and sweet, warm-weather dram for sure that will make your teeth ache, but hey, it's got alcohol and gets the job done. 3 stars, with an extra half star for making Milsean its competition. Cheers.

The aroma presents bright, warm citrus/orchard and tropical fruits like oranges, apricots, nectarines, pears, and lemon peel, with hints of mango and white grape juice. Vanilla, honey, and a touch of salt are also present. It resembles Oban in style, with brief notes of new leather and cardboard. The sherry finish becomes noticeable with dates, raisins, and a bit of brown sugar. Light oak is present, followed by more vanilla and orchard fruits. Licorice root adds another layer of complexity in the background. The taste largely mirrors the aroma, featuring citrus/orchard fruits, vanilla cream, and a bit of toffee, with very mild peppery oak. It's similar to Oban but lacks the salty seaside notes, and the sherry notes aren't very pronounced. It has a light to medium body, feels a little oily, and is dry. The finish is short, dry, with some sweet fruits and a little spice. This is a well-executed NAS, though not exceptional. The sherry finish seems to have primarily mellowed the bourbon influence rather than adding significant complexity. An extra 3% ABV would have been beneficial. It's best enjoyed in late spring or early summer. A better finish would have improved it, but it still offers great value for $45. Thanks for the sample. 3.75 Cheers

A very unexpected offering from a distillery I'm still getting to know better. I think this is their least expensive core range bottle, and it's genuinely a good drink. Bottled at 40% ABV, it has a golden color. On the nose, a very fresh and inviting aroma. Fresh apples dominate, along with honey, a very vibrant lemon, toffee, and a distinct vanilla note. The citrus is particularly interesting. After the first taste, the aroma diminished significantly, but a faint citrus scent lingered. It's also floral. Initially, I wasn't sure, but there's a hint of saltiness. On the palate, it transformed with each sip. It began with almonds and a bitter nutty flavor. The second sip brought a pleasant toffee and a sensation like licking an envelope to seal it. A third sip revealed raw rice and hard apple cider notes. The finish passed the test. Crushed almonds. Hazelnut. It's the most almond-forward whisky I've ever encountered. Nice subtle oak spice that somehow works. Stewed apples. Overall, this whisky has abundant tasting and aroma notes, which I didn't anticipate given its low price. This is my second Glencadam of the year, and both have pleasantly surprised me. My score is 81 out of 100.

It's another Saturday night, with Game 4 of the World Series on. Another sample has appeared, provided by a friend, and I'm looking forward to enjoying the game and the whisky. The aroma is pure Bananas Foster: Vanilla ice cream, brown sugar, and cinnamon. That says it all. Sweet and light on the first sip. Hints of light brown sugar, vanilla, and cinnamon spice (a simplified Bananas Foster). As the dram develops, other flavors emerge: Tea, honey, and apples. A slight tingle on the tongue keeps the palate engaged as it begins to fade. The finish contrasts with the nose and palate, bringing a complete change. Mixed nuts, oak, and lemon with a subtle white pepper note. It's pleasant and long-lasting without any real harsh bitterness. This is like having dessert in a glass. Sweet and enjoyable. Not overly complicated; it has a refreshing simplicity. A perfect cordial to end a meal. [85/100][Tasted: 10/28/17]

Fruity, sweet, caramel, medium spice, berries, citrus. 2.75 Sweetness, fruitiness, berries, sweetness, medium heat, slight bitterness at the end, but there's an elegance to it. 2.75 Slight follow-up, oak. 2.5 2.75 Citrus, orangey, pear, low spice. It seems like Highland Speyside shares these characteristics; I noticed that with the Cardhu as well. Wholesome oily texture, slightly dry. 3 Beautifully soft and mellow, you get a marshmallow sweetness from this. It's pure bliss as it rolls nicely on your tongue. It's not a complex one, but you get a very pure and clean sweetness, like candy sugar, a childlike sweetness that is endearing. You get some bitter oakiness at the end that reminds you this is a whisky. 3 Oaky, medium sustain. 2

This demonstrates how things can be deceiving. The aroma was pleasant, offering pineapple, coconut, vanilla, strawberry, and light floral hints. However, the taste was solely lemon, banana cream, and alcohol. Adding water didn't help; for 40% ABV, it burns quite a bit. The sherry notes were barely perceptible. It's comparable to "The One I Love" by R.E.M. – definitely not a love song. My thanks to the person who provided the opportunity to try this distillery's product. Perhaps a bottling with an age statement would be worth exploring... maybe if one is feeling adventurous.