Wee Drammers – Drams #208 and #209

Six Wee Drammers met at Borje’s place on April 21 to try out drams #208 and #209.

We started out in the Highlands at the GLENCADAM distillery in Belchin, halfway between Edinburgh and Aberdeen. Today’s first dram was the GLENCADAM “RESERVA ANDALUCIA”. This dram has been finished in Oloroso sherry butts specially sourced from Andalucia in Spain, near the ancient town of Jerez. It was bottled at 46 ABV to maintain the whisky’s unique and natural characteristics. It is non chill filtered and no colouring has been added to ensure the aromatic components are preserved and the whisky from the cask can be enjoyed to its fullest.

Tasting Notes:
Colour – Barley Gold
Nose – Initial aromas of ripe soft fruits, soft nougat and oaky vanilla
Palate – Smooth and creamy with orchard fruits and coffee apple sweetness
Finish – Long lasting and silky smooth with honey, muscovado sugar and green tea lingering.

Our second dram came from the LAGG distillery on the southern coast of the Isle of Arran. Even though distilling has been present in this tight-knit community for hundreds of years the LAGG distillery was only completed in 2019, and the distillery released its first single malts in 2022. Today’s choice was the LAGG Corriecravie Edition. This modern, characterful LAGG single malt continues the rich tradition of peated whisky making on this part of the island. It was bottled at 55 ABV with a 50 ppm peat level.

Tasting Notes:
Colour – non coloured/Golden
Nose – Dark chocolate and spiced red berries
Palate – Rich and mouthwatering with subtle notes of charred embers and hazelnut
Finish – Charred oak, smoke, hazelnut, dark chocolate and sweet spice

The pairings to go with our two drams of the evening included Asian influenced flank steak bites on rye bread, cured/smoked salmon bites, Schinkenspeck and Bauernschinken rolls, Venison jerky and Mennonite sausages, caramelized onion cheddar, smoked  gorgonzola, smoked oysters, olives, grapes and, of course, dark chocolate.

Written by: Borje

Submitted by: Tony