Glencadam Distillery

Glencadam was established in 1825 by merchant George Cooper, with David Scott serving as proprietor from 1827 to 1837. It changed hands several times through the 19th and 20th centuries: Gilmour, Thompson & Company acquired it in 1891; Hiram Walker purchased it in 1954; and George Ballantine & Son bought it two years later in 1956. Allied Domecq took control in 1988 and mothballed the distillery in 2000 during the industry's overproduction crisis.

In 2003 Angus Dundee Distillers acquired Glencadam and revived production, making it one of the easternmost working Highland distilleries. Under Angus Dundee's stewardship, a focused age-statement range was developed — all at 46% ABV, all non-chill-filtered — emphasising quality over volume. The range has been progressively expanded: in July 2010 a 21-year-old, a 12-year-old port finish, and a 14-year-old were added; an 18-year-old was relaunched in 2023 after being withdrawn in 2016.

In January 2026, new packaging was introduced across four expressions including the 10 Year Old, 15 Year Old, Reserva PX, and a new 17 Year Old Réserve de Calvados cask finish. A visitor centre and café/whisky bar opened in summer 2025, marking the distillery's 200th anniversary with dedicated exhibition space.

Water comes from the River South Esk. The distillery operates with just 1 wash still (14,000 L) and 1 spirit still (14,000 L), giving an annual capacity of approximately 1.5 million litres. The small still size and traditional approach contribute to the distillery's elegant, fruit-forward character. All expressions are bottled at 46% ABV without chill filtration and at natural colour.

Glencadam's house style is elegant, fruit-forward, and creamy — an eastern Highland character that stands apart from the heavier sherried malts of Speyside. All expressions are bottled at 46% ABV without chill filtration. The 10 Year Old shows pineapple, lemon zest, and vanilla; the 13 Year Old develops pear, panna cotta, and marmalade; the 15 Year Old brings apple pie, cinnamon, and citrus peel; the 18 Year Old adds peaches and crème brûlée; and the 25 Year Old develops hazelnut, apricots, and honeyed depth. The cask finish expressions — including the Reserva Andalucía (PX sherry) and Réserve de Calvados — add fruity complexity while preserving the clean house character.

A visitor centre and café/whisky bar opened in summer 2025 for the bicentenary. Tours and tastings are available. Address: Brechin, Angus DD9 7PA. Contact: +44 (0)1356 622217 or glencadamsocial@angusdundee.co.uk.