The first of six drams served at the April outturn tasting for the Scotch Malt Whisky Society ("SMWS") at the Jack Rose Saloon in Adams Morgan, Washington DC. At these events, you sit at a small table and one by one make guesses about the six scotches in front of you: age, type of cask, which distillery (multiple choice, out of five provided), along with a field to write notes.
This was a good introduction - an 8 year Glencadam, matured in a ex-bourbon hogshead. Here are the official notes:
The nose is a breath of Spring – honey, flowers, lemon sweets and vanilla sponge, gradually drifting towards cinder toffee, polished wood, cardamom and wax on hessian. The palate enjoys an initial citric bite of lemon barley water, bitter lemon and pomegranate, followed by chewing pencils in a barbershop (wax, after-shave, leather) or at a dentist's (mouthwash, clove). The reduced nose is a garden stroll through flower beds, greenery and pines; also juicy fruit pastilles, treacle tart, chocolate Brazils and manuka honey. The reduced palate has jam tarts, custard, fruit salad and sultanas; followed by gingerbread, curry, five-spice and spiced chutney heat.
Very solid - of particular interest is after-shave (!). Let's investigate:
Nose: Lemon, biscuits, vanilla, ginger, dried mango. Nice - the lemon is sweet, like candy. The tropicality comes and goes. A vague tea element. The nose occasionally reminds me of lemon Ricola cough lozenges.
Mouthfeel: Thin, but silky.
Palate: A burst of alcohol, followed by lemon, shortbread cookies, malt, black tea, and oak tannins. A nice follow-up to the nose. I sort of get the chewing pencils angle, with the oak tannins. I am significantly less sure about after-shave, leather, or mouthwash (?!).
Finish: Oak, soft white pepper, lemon, and baking spices (allspice, ginger).
Verdict: Quite a nice dram, on the younger side, but very solid. Showcases the delicate nature of Glencadam very aptly. A good evening starter.
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