Glencadam White Port Cask Finish Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky 70 cl 46%

White port is a rarity in the whisky world. Most port casks that end up in Scotland have held ruby or tawny, and those give dark fruit. White port pulls the other way — towards stone fruit, citrus and something almost floral.

The expert's description

Glencadam White Port Cask Finish is a Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky matured in American ex-bourbon casks with a finishing period in white port casks from Portugal, bottled at 46%.

Main maturation takes place in American oak that previously held bourbon, and the finishing period runs in casks from white port. White port is made from white grapes and is brighter and fresher than the red varieties, which suits the Glencadam expression rather than competing with it. The whisky is non-chill filtered and carries natural colour.

The combination is unusual, even among the many cask finish releases out there. White port casks are rarely used for whisky, partly because they are hard to come by and partly because the effect is more subtle than sherry or red port — you need a spirit that can carry a light hand.

Tasting notes

Nose

Soft, tart fruits and stone fruits, with buttery orange cakes and vanilla custard.

Palate

Delicate shades of sweet summer fruit and apple cakes, with raisins coated in honey and a trace of cedarwood. The texture is soft and round without turning heavy.

Finish

Pleasant with a peppery warmth, well balanced by vanilla, the scent of oak and flavourful butter biscuits. Medium.

Specifications

Name: Glencadam White Port Cask Finish Highland Single Malt Whisky 70 cl 46%
Distillery: Glencadam
Region/Country: Highland, Scotland
Type: Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky
ABV: 46%
Size: 70 CL
Cask type: American ex-bourbon casks with a finishing period in white port casks
Non-chill filtered: Yes
Natural colour: Yes
Edition: White Port Cask Finish
EAN no.: 5021349597704

Flavour profile

Fruity · Stone fruit · Vanilla-sweet · Soft · Spiced

Did you know?

White port makes up only a small share of total port production. The great majority is red, and that is exactly why white port casks are a rarity in Scottish warehouses compared with ruby and tawny casks.

See our full range of Glencadam

Frequently asked questions about Glencadam White Port Cask Finish

What is white port?

Port made from white grapes rather than red. It comes in both dry and sweet styles and has a brighter, fresher profile than ruby and tawny — more stone fruit and citrus, less dark berry fruit.

What do white port casks do to the whisky?

They add stone fruit, floral sweetness and a lightly spiced edge rather than the dark fruit you get from red port casks. The effect is more subtle, which means the distillery character takes up more room in the finished result.

How does it differ from the other Glencadam cask finishes?

It is the brightest of them. The PX release runs to dark chocolate, Reserva Andalucia to nuts and dried fruit, and the madeira to spice and honey. White Port stays at the fresh end with stone fruit and citrus. See the other Scottish styles in our Scotch Whisky selection.

Is it sweet?

Only moderately. There is a fruit sweetness from the port casks, but it is bright and fresh rather than syrupy, and the vanilla from the bourbon casks balances it. This is not a dessert whisky in the classic sense.

Is it peated?

No. Glencadam uses unpeated malt, and there are no peat notes. The peppery warmth in the finish comes from cask and strength.

How is it best enjoyed?

Neat, at room temperature. At 46% water is not needed, and the bright fruit notes disappear easily if the whisky is diluted. Give it five minutes in the glass first.

Does it work with food?

It goes well with lighter dishes and desserts — a peach or apricot tart, soft cheese or even a serving of vanilla ice cream. The stone fruit in the whisky meets the food without drowning it.