Glencadam 10 REVIEW: Is it really a BUDGET BANGER!?!

I've got a bourbon matured single malt scotch from the Glencadam distillery in the highlands today. There's been plenty of buzz about this one, so I figured I'd weigh in. I'll taste it and give you my honest review. Cheers!
IG: @gwhiskytw
Business/Contact info: [e-mail]
Scores:
0-75 - Crap
75-79 - Cocktail fodder
80-82 - Not bad
83-85 - Getting good here
86-89 - Delicious
90-94 - Awesome
95-100 - Cowabunga Dudes
Music: freemusicarchi...

[@jackd.2878]

I must confess that I'm still relatively new to appreciating whiskey, and I couldn't quite grasp why this particular whiskey received such glowing reviews from you and several esteemed whiskey KZbin channels. While I acknowledged its non-chill filtered status, absence of artificial colorants, and 46% ABV, the flavor was not resonating with me. I began to entertain the notion that perhaps the reviewers were influenced by the whiskey brand to provide favorable assessments. However, a revelation occurred when I decided to introduce a few drops of water to my glass; suddenly, I found myself thoroughly enjoying it. Cheers!

[@chrisgwhisky]

I love this whisky so much. Pure, authentic, no-frills, delicious. Love at first sip.

[@Gwhisky]

Couldn't agree more! 🥃

[@DrClumber]

I'm very lucky that they are just down the road from me in Angus, Scotland. It is a beautiful whisky and I can get it for around £34 here. Guess which is my go-to! Nice review, agree that the aesthetic in terms of marketing is very appealing. They let the whisky speak for itself. You mentioned lemon lozenges, I think of it as 'pear drops', I don't know if those are a thing in the US, but they're a classic British sweet.

[@dextercool]

This is the best 10 year old Scotch (besides some peated bottles, as you mentioned); I thought I found a watermelon bubblegum note here as well - reminds me a bit of Aultmore 12 or a lighter Clynelish 14 (without the sherry maturation). Perma-shelf bottle.

[@canal-do-guga-namura]

Ordered my 1 liter bottle yesterday. Brazil is a warm country specially this time of the year... I think the only "refreshing" dram I have here is the Arran 10... got the Glencadam 10 to make it company. and 1 liter, man.... I hope I enjoy it. Love my Arran 10.

[@Gwhisky]

I'm sure you'll love it! It's my go-to warm weather whisky. Clean, bright, and vibrant. Enjoy! 🥃

[@canal-do-guga-namura]

@@Gwhisky wasn’t love at first sight but this whisky really opened up. It’s delicious. The alcohol was a little brash at first, but as the weeks went by this opened up in a lovely way. I actually think I prefer this over my Arran 10 now. Love this is a 1 liter bottle. Cheers!

[@christopherdavid446]

Great review. I am really digging your approach and presentation to your reviews.

[@Gwhisky]

Thanks a lot Christopher! 🙏

[@newwave151151]

This is always my go to whisky to introduce ppl who don’t know whisky well. 9 out of 10 they love it.

[@adaskog]

I was looking for sth as a summer drink for hot evenings, and finally found a sample of this gem. Perfect one, totally agree with you!

[@Gwhisky]

Glad you're enjoying it! 🥃

[@SaltyCuban]

I just finished this bottle today. Good value. $50 Not bad at all. Really nice 10 yr old. I’d buy again. On the nose : sweet and fruity, Floral, Whipping Cream. Taste: Fresh, Clean. Marshmallow , Pineapple, Banana candy, light pine wood, grapefruit ? Very sensitive to what you eat before tasting though. I recommend it too. Great video again!

[@Gwhisky]

Delicious stuff, although $50 is a few bucks higher than the international standard. Seems this one's a bit pricier throughout the States. Still solid at $50, though.

[@SaltyCuban]

@@Gwhisky I tell you, very few bottles under $50 in the states right now unless it’s on sale somehow. Glenmorangie 10, Glenmoray 10, Glengrant 10, Glengoyne 10, Glenlivet 12, Glenfidich 12. All between $32-40. Something to do with the “Glens”? 😏 Beside that, maybe Old Pulteney 10? Point is for the most part it seems like everything decent that used to be $45 starts at $60-65 (if you’re lucky) then the stuff that used to be 60 jumps to $85 or above and so on. All this occurring in the last year or so. Regardless of tariffs or whatever, I doubt prices will go down anytime remotely soon.

[@Gwhisky]

Sorry to hear that. The US used to have some pretty competitive prices. Definitely doesn't seem like it these days.

[@SaltyCuban]

@@Gwhisky yeah. I remember buying HP 15 for $50, now $80-100 If you find it. Benriach Curiositas for $35, now @70. Glendronach 12 $49, now 70, HP 12 $45, now 60. Deanston 12 $40, now $67 ,Macallan 12 $55, now @70-75 Aberlour 18 (750ml)was $100, now $160. Etc. mind you this was a year and a half ago or so. With inflation and what not, at some point people are just not going to buy. Some could buy their favorite and forego one or two bottles every time they make a purchase.

[@Gwhisky]

Hah I couldn't afford this habit if I lived there! Man that Aberlour 18 ain't worth it...

[@dairyyang5457]

Seems no one dislike Glencadam 10. Must try someday! I'm also curious about aultmore 12, are they similar? A review on it will be appreciated!!

[@Gwhisky]

Aultmore is a good one, too. I might get around to a review of that one at some point. I think I prefer the glencadam 10, but they're both worth checking out!

[@kellywellington7122]

I see it did the same to you as it did to me. The nose was pretty 'pedestrian' and it was only when I went with the taste that the palate surprised, pleasantly. Bright, yes. I recommend this to a lot of folks who prefer the bourbon cask spirit. Best on the market, but I have to order it online because my state outlet does not stock it. But, it is worth the trouble.

[@Gwhisky]

Well, at least you can get your hands on it. Perfect summertime sipper! 🥃

[@astroboy3507]

Great drop for a 10 👍🏻

[@jaxson1948]

Very nice review! I agree!

[@TheReal_DeanD]

Woo Hoo!!! A store by me found a case in their storage facility. It's a bottling from a couple of years ago and I had to pay $55 USD for it. I hope I get the same experience as what was shared here. Sadly 10 year old Scotch in my area is hovering around $55 and Glencadam doesn't have the best availability in my area.

[@Gwhisky]

It's a beauty, even if it's from a few years back the quality I've always found to be pretty consistent with this stuff. Fresh, bright, clean. I'm sure you'll enjoy. Cheers! 🥃

[@MrChristopherMolloy]

Glencadam 10 is a solid bottle, but it's pricey where I live, about $50, so I tend to skip it. Glencadam 15 on the other hand is super representative of what I think a Highland style malt should be, and to me is a much better value, even at about $70.

[@Gwhisky]

That's pretty expensive for the 10! I think most places have it several bucks cheaper than that. 15 is great stuff too. Unfortunately hard to find in my city.

[@MrChristopherMolloy]

@@Gwhisky Yes, very expensive.

[@kuzmanmeramov1729]

@@MrChristopherMolloy I tend to buy Power's John's lane 12 for 22 us dollars, that's why scotch prices brings only bitter frustration

[@MrChristopherMolloy]

@@kuzmanmeramov1729 It's been a long time since I bought a bottle of Power's. That sounds like a great price. Enjoy!

[@jimmyjazz4605]

Lol, the 10 in Aus is around 80-110 bucks 😂

[@jamescostigan3721]

It's just beautiful stuff. And so affordable to boot.

[@Gwhisky]

Agree! 🥃

[@김도형-o2e]

I love how they just take things simple and don’t fiddle with finishes with their cores. Was real fun and educational to have them 10, 13, and 15 in a flight and see how just age alone affects them. It turned out 10 is my favorite. Slainte!

[@Gwhisky]

Agree. Love the clean and simple profile. That's a great lineup. Sadly I've never had the chance to try the 13, but I hear it's fantastic. Cheers! 🥃

[@zoltanmpapp]

Totally get the Tokaji/white wine vibe. I'm super beginner, from the few bottles I have this one stands out. Simply perfect for inexperienced whisky drinkers to pull the flavors apart without being overwhelmed by complexity. 0 harshness, its amazing, no idea how they do it at this ABV. Would be amazing to see what this quality spirit could be capable of in a sherry / wine / etc... cask

[@Gwhisky]

They have some expressions (or at least used to) that were sherry and port matured. They were good, but imo they're at their best when working with bourbon casks. 🥃

[@zoltanmpapp]

@@Gwhisky good to know thanks! I think this highland stlye is what I'm digging right now. Do you have reviews on drams in this ballpark? Tryed Dalwhinnie 15, which I really liked because of that honey note, but wasnt outstanding.

[@Gwhisky]

@zoltanmpapp If you like bright, fresh, clean whiskies, I did a summer sipper list recently you could check out! 🥃

[@yoursinsincerely39]

A really good Whisky, the Glencadam 15 is even better and usually the one I get as opposed to this one. And obviously not available here in PA. I wish this gets more visibility here. Wonderful, clean expression with a craft presentation. I always have a soft spot for whiskys which represent the true malt character of a whisky. "Sunshine in a bottle" should be the title of this video. And a huge thumbs up to your hope that such whisky's need more support from us whisky lovers. I am sure almost all of us who enjoy single malt scotches echo that sentiment. Since you like sherry finishes, you should try get their 14 year sherry finish. Quite enjoyable. I have a recommendation for your to review. Bladnoch 10. One of my favorite unpeated 10 year olds, right up there with Arran 10, hazelburn, Bruichladdich (the laddie 10 discontinued now).

[@sambrewster8556]

Bladnoch 10 also discontinued now sadly - the 11 year old has replaced it. Also very good but not quite as good as the 10 year old.

[@Gwhisky]

I've had the sherry finish and enjoyed it. But my favourites from the range remain the 10 and the 15 simply because I like the flavours from the distillate to shine. But really, aside from the Reserva Andalucia and the 21 (which is surprisingly underwhelming), I enjoy pretty much everything they put out. I've not had much Bladnoch. The new releases from them were slow to make it to Taiwan, and I'm guessing the distributor here is looking to make quite a markup off them. Sadly it's hard to find and overpriced. Shame, I've heard many good things about the brand.

[@yoursinsincerely39]

@@Gwhisky I agree that the Glencadam is one of those who let the distillate shine through. I love it particularly for that reason. Nothing like the true taste of malt whisky without any frills, embellishments. It is a shame about the distribution of Bladnoch in Taiwan. The Bladnoch 10 is a beautiful expression and truly characterizes the nuances of a lowland whisky.

[@c3sun]

i like the affordable part!! good for parties

[@MrChristopherMolloy]

Glengoyne 10 (@43% U.S.) is a similar style IMO and usually sells for about $15 less, and I find it every bit as enjoyable.

[@Gwhisky]

Haven't had the Goyne 10 in years, but I dont remember enjoying it as much as I do this. Then again, it's been a while. Might be worth revisiting.

[@MrChristopherMolloy]

Actually I just picked up a bottle for $38, so those two whiskeys are in the same ballpark as far as price goes.

[@groberti]

It is good that you get it at 43% in the US. Here in EU it is bottled at 40% so instant skip for me sadly :/

[@oliverburns1984]

Coordinated review with Ralfy ? :)))

[@SaltyCuban]

He was first before Ralfy!

[@gabrielmariz9610]

What are the tasting differences between glencadam 10 and 13?

[@Gwhisky]

I'm not sure. The 13 isn't available in my market, unfortunately. 🥃

[@ChrisBlackwood857]

This whisky is just sensual purity

[@Gwhisky]

It's excellent!

[@WhiskyLoversSociety]

Just reviewed this one as well and loved it. Cheers. just subscribed Nice views

[@Gwhisky]

Wonderful stuff. Thanks for the sub!

[@winnielai7455]

I learnt something from you every time :-)

[@Gwhisky]

I'm glad to hear it. Thanks for watching, Winnie! 🥃

[@chrisgwhisky]

These comments are so funny. I found the 10-year old on sale for $56 and was so proud of that. It seems like I’m totally out of touch!

[@Gwhisky]

To be fair this video is like 2 years old. A lot of whiskies have shot up in price since then. But yeah... $56 does still seem to be on the high end for this stuff. 🥃

[@gordonhall9943]

this or classic laddie?

[@Gwhisky]

Classic Laddie for me. 🥃

[@gordonhall9943]

@@Gwhisky noted. 😁

[@kuzmanmeramov1729]

Scotch prices rise, quality stays the same at best.

[@Gwhisky]

There are cask strength IBs out there. No standard OB that I know of. That would be one to try for sure, though!

[@Nikolay_Nikolov]

Unfortunately, Glencadam is not well presented on our market. This 10 yo goes for around 50 euro/ 58 USD which is almost twice the price of Arran 10. I have no doubts about it being quality stuff but it is still basic, ex-bourbon casks matured, 10 yo malt priced way above what it is, at least where I am. For now it is a pass for me, although I may get a bottle if it appears on special sale.

[@Gwhisky]

Totally understandable. Seems there's a lot of variation in prices with this one. It's much more budget friendly where I live (although it is still a few € more than the Arran). It's certainly not worth double. I'd be sticking with the Arran myself. 😉

[@bzzz1800]

thoughts on the 13 yo?

[@Gwhisky]

Sadly I can't find that one in my market. I hear it's great! 🥃

[@bzzz1800]

@@Gwhisky despite all the recent restrictions in my region, I've just bought one. Smell - pretty subtle granted by me devouring the classic laddie by Bruichladich these days lol. Taste - yummy, can't be more satisfied 😎 and easy on the wallet in relation to the majority of competitors...

[@gordont.8958]

Unmistakable acetone on the nose and taste. Returned to the bottle after a year. Acetone still there. Not sure if this was a bad bottle?

[@Gwhisky]

Sounds like it. I've never had that experience with Glencadam. It's very possible you were just unlucky.

[@cavandavidson1185]

Why ask for likes at the start of a vid? What am I meant to like?

[@iancrombie8862]

I just dont like a lot of the flavours in this whisky..citrus,buttery,grassy,biscuity...although a well made whisky,I must admit..

[@dane5896]

I'm not thrilled by it at all. Not drawn to this bottle. Disappointed👎

[@Gwhisky]

Sorry to hear that.

[@Allouran]

I think Roy at @aqvavitae referred to it as a “hero” whisky 🥃 I bought it on his recommendation and I really enjoy it in its style - similar to Arran 10 as you rightly pointed out. Lovely dram and always on the shelf 👍👍

[@Gwhisky]

Yeah I've seen Roy as well as several other reviews speak highly of this sfuff. Allow me to jump on the bandwagon. Deserves all the praise it gets!