Let’s go back to Brechin, to the Glencadam distillery. The brand is owned by Angus Dundee and it avoids any kind of sexy packaging. Good choice, we appreciate indeed. Anyway, Glencadam whiskies are usually very pleasant and fruity, thanks to the peculiar lyne arms in the stills, encouraging the reflux of the spirit. Today we taste an OB expression from the rich core range, a 17 yo single malt finished in ex Port casks. You already know our idea about Port casks maturation, but we respect the distillery and we keep an open mind.

N: the Port contribution isn’t hiding, providing generous whiffs of strawberry jam. But it doesn’t preclude a great malty elegance, with marzipan notes and a scent of toasted brown bread and croissant. These sugary sensations are balanced by a mineral nuance, which makes everything fresh. Corbetta, who’s drinking with us, says “red apples”.

P: the first sip is suddenly sugary, with jam again and extra-buttery croissant. A lot of vanilla. A full winey note, bold and persistent. Later, the malty soul of the spirit emerges and the cereal taste is very well melted in this sweet universe. Not obvious at all, considering that we’re talking about Port finishing…

F: long, persistent and very sweet, again. It ends up with nuts and a bit of malt.

Let us be clear: it’s very sweet. Nevertheless, it’s better than the average Port finished whiskies we tasted before. The casks’ influence is noticeable, but it doesn’t overwhelm the spirit. Well balanced and pleasant: 86/100, even if it’s rather expensive…

Recommended soundtrack: Masayoshi Takanaka – Sexy Dance.