Glencadam Single Malt Scotch Whisky

Glencadam single malt Scotch whisky is a Highland malt renowned for its elegant, creamy style and consistent quality. Founded in 1825 by George Cooper, it stands in the town of Brechin, Angus, making it one of Scotland’s oldest working distilleries. Despite its long history, Glencadam has often flown under the radar, quietly producing spirit for blends before gaining greater recognition for its single malts in the 21st century.

For much of its existence, Glencadam was primarily a blending malt, contributing to well-known names such as Ballantine’s and Stewart’s Cream of the Barley. The distillery changed hands multiple times over the years and even faced periods of closure, most notably between 2000 and 2003. Its modern resurgence began when Angus Dundee Distillers acquired it in 2003, reviving production and focusing more on single malt bottlings.

One of the distinctive features of Glencadam’s production is its use of tall, slender copper pot stills with lyne arms set at an unusually steep angle. This design encourages reflux during distillation, producing a lighter, purer spirit while retaining a smooth, creamy texture. The distillery sources its water from the Loch Lee in the Angus Glens, known for its purity and softness.

Glencadam’s house style is typically unpeated, clean, and floral, with a creamy mouthfeel and bright citrus notes. Maturation is often in American oak ex-bourbon casks, which complement the spirit’s natural freshness with vanilla and sweet malt. However, the distillery has also embraced a variety of finishes, including port pipes, sherry butts, and madeira casks, to add extra layers of flavour.

The core range includes the Glencadam 10 Year Old, which has become something of a modern classic thanks to its balance of fresh orchard fruit, soft vanilla, and lemon zest. The 15 Year Old deepens the profile with richer malt and spice notes, while the 18 and 21 Year Olds show how gracefully Glencadam ages, developing honeyed sweetness, dried fruit, and gentle oak influence. The distillery has also released limited editions such as the Origin 1825, cask strength bottlings, and various wine- and sherry-finished malts, offering diversity for enthusiasts.

Independent bottlings of Glencadam are relatively rare but can offer fascinating perspectives on the spirit. Bourbon-matured examples often bring out clean, grassy, and citrus notes, while sherry-aged versions introduce richer tones of toffee, fig, and spice without overwhelming the distillery’s refined character.

On the nose, Glencadam tends to offer aromas of apple, pear, lemon peel, and vanilla cream. The palate is smooth and medium-bodied, with a creamy texture, sweet malt, and a hint of floral meadow, leading to a crisp, slightly drying finish. It’s a versatile whisky — approachable for newcomers, but with enough subtlety and nuance to satisfy seasoned drinkers.

Our Glencadam Single Malt Scotch Whisky range includes the acclaimed 10 Year Old, mature age statements, and innovative cask finishes. Whether you’re looking for a refreshing Highland dram, a collectible older vintage, or a limited-edition experiment, Glencadam delivers a consistently high-quality whisky that reflects nearly two centuries of craftsmanship.