Glencadam Reserva Andalucía Oloroso | Whisky Review

Physical Whisky Characteristics

Origin: The whisky is from Glencadam, the only active distillery in Angus, south of Aberdeen, Scotland.
Type: Single malt Scotch whisky.
Distillation & Maturation: It is finished in Oloroso sherry casks, which is a key aspect of its flavor profile. The whisky is uncolored and chill-filtered.
Age Statement: No specific age statement is provided, but it is indicated to be younger than their 15-year-old expression.
Color & Bottle Design: The whisky has a natural color, indicative of its sherry cask maturation. The bottle design specifics were not discussed, but the natural color is highlighted as a significant feature.

The Glencadam Reserva Andalucía Oloroso has a rich flavor profile dominated by sherry influence, featuring ripe fruits, smooth nougat, vanilla, caramel, sugary marzipan, dried fruit, candied fruit, and creaminess. It is described as wonderfully round and sweet, with a wholesome sherry cask influence. The whisky is smooth with an oily texture, presenting flavors of sultanas, dried grapes, a little oakiness, and spiciness in the aftertaste. Despite its sweetness, it has a drier, creamy caramel profile with roasted nuts and dried fruits, where the dried fruits' flavors dominate over their sweetness.

The name "Reserva Andalucía" references Andalusia in the south of Spain, known for its wine and sherry production. Initially, there might be an assumption that the whisky uses various types of casks from the region, but it specifically utilizes Oloroso sherry casks for finishing.

Andalusia's mention connects the whisky to a rich tradition of sherry production in southern Spain, emphasizing the cultural and geographical significance of the casks used for finishing this Scotch whisky.

Horst Luening described the whisky as having "tons and tons of ripe fruit, dried fruit, candied fruit, and a lot of creaminess," highlighting its sherry cask influence.
Ben Luening noted the whisky's balance and absence of youthiness, indicating it is "well matured" and "well balanced," with a sherry tone that has a bit of an overtone, reflecting current trends in whisky production.

Glencadam Reserva Andalucía Oloroso is a single malt Scotch whisky finished in Oloroso sherry casks, without a specific age statement but younger than their 15-year expression.
It features a rich, sherry-dominated flavor profile with notes of ripe and dried fruits, nougat, vanilla, caramel, and a creamy, sweet, yet slightly drier character.
The whisky's name and maturation process pay homage to Andalusia's sherry production, adding cultural and geographical depth to its identity.
Experts appreciate its well-balanced, mature character, highlighting its sherry influence as both a defining and fashionable aspect.

Sherry Cask Enthusiasts: Individuals who enjoy the rich, fruity, and creamy profiles typical of sherry cask-finished whiskies will find this expression particularly appealing.
Newcomers to Scotch: The absence of an age statement, combined with its approachable flavor profile and smoothness, makes it a suitable choice for those new to Scotch whisky.
Value Seekers: Given its price point and quality, it offers good value for those looking to explore sherry cask-finished whiskies without breaking the bank.
Collectors and Connoisseurs: While the lack of an age statement might deter some, the unique geographical connection and the quality of the maturation process make it an interesting addition to a collection.