Glencadam 1990 (19yo) by Berry Brothers and Rudd

Glencadam 1990 56.6% (Berry Brothers and Rudd)around 19 years old.

This is a small 30mL sample from Master of Malt. I got this in a “Highlands Pack” my wife bought for me. I would never have selected this sample on my own. Still, at cask strength and from an independent bottler . . . I am curious.

Nose: Malty at first with berries in the background. Strawberries, cherries, pineapple, pears and citrus. Super delicate fruity.

Taste: Sweet fruit, acidic, and malty

Finish: Big pineapple finish followed by a long ale like note (yes, the beer). It is slightly hoppy like a pale ale so it has that fruitiness. Searing sea salt that leaves the mouth a bit numb (56.6 % can do that if you are not careful). With water the finish is much shorter but still super fresh, fruity and pleasant.

Balance, Complexity: Very fresh and fruity. Not overly complex or balanced but enjoyable.

Aesthetic experience: Pale chardonnay (more so then the Hazelburn). Medium light bodied. Can’t say much of the bottle because this is a sample. Don’t love Berry Brothers and Rudd, but I do LOVE the cask strength for this guy and the 1990 vintage is great.

Conclusion: This was interesting to try . . . but that was about it. I am not inspired to try anything from Glencadam again. Worse, I am not impressed by Berry Brothers and Rudd’s selection. Still, it was only a sample. And I could be totally wrong.

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