Reserva de Jerez is a new limited edition whiskey from Glencadam. It was distilled in 2007 and aged first in ex-bourbon casks and then in oloroso sherry butts – hence the name Reserva de Jerez, because Jerez is precisely the home of sherry. This full-bodied single malt is bottled at 46% alcohol, without either chill filtration or added colouring. 9,420 bottles have been made, and there will be no more.
Colour: Amber gold.
Scent: At the first sniff, it is the depth and complexity that is noticeable. An intense note of fig and raisin, roasted nuts and burnt caramel.
Tasting notes: The taste is characterized by a very fine fruitiness, which is complemented by the sherry influence without being overpowered. The whiskey is at the same time full without being heavy, and a slight sweetness continues into a very long aftertaste.
Serving suggestion: Enjoy it plain.
Glencadam, with its distinctive red chimney, is located in Brechin, as one of the few surviving distilleries in the East Highlands. The distillery was built in 1825 – not long after a new Excise Act in 1823 made distillation legal on a larger scale in Scotland. Since 2003 the distillery has been owned by Angus Dundee, and since 2005 the distillery has been running 24/7. However, not much has changed in the production method at Glencadam. You still have a mash tun made of cast iron and two pot stills, which are designed in a way that gives a quite light and elegant spirit. The two original dunnage warehouses from 1825 are still in use.
Only a limited portion of the whiskey is still bottled as single malt, as the vast majority of production is used in blends. Angus Dundee owns, among other things, the brands Scottish Royal, Glen Parker and The Dundee, and one must assume that a large proportion of these is Glencadam. Fortunately, there is also a renewed focus on single malt – especially since Angus Dundee took over. In 2016, the entire core range was reformed. Glencadam neither chill filters nor colors the whiskey with caramel.
