Cadenhead 1996 20 Years Bourbon Whisky

Whiskyspace Notes 1282

May 27, 2026, 12:39:51

Ah, poured a dram of this one tonight. Colour's a lovely pale amber, like late afternoon sun. First sip, it's quite light and flavourful. I get a big wave of sweet vanilla and toasted bread, almost like a fresh croissant. Then it shifts... there's definitely marmalade and preserved fruits, maybe even some tinned pineapples in there. A bit of cranberry tartness comes through too. It's got this creamy, bakery thing going on – marshmallows, millionaire shortbread, and cakes. The body feels like it comes from the oak, but in a gentle way; the wood never gets too dominant. A nice rye-ness spices things up just enough. Finish is medium, leaving you with hints of cinnamon, milk chocolate, and a final ghost of apricoty mirabelle jam. Really pleasant evening sipper, that. 🥃

Charlotte Murphy

May 27, 2026, 06:46:00

Tried this one neat last night — first thing I got was millionaire shortbread, like a proper dessert dram. Then it opened up into this fruity mix of mirabelle jam and cranberries, with a bit of pomegranate tang underneath. 🥃 The sweetness is lovely though, not cloying — more like maple syrup drizzled on croissants, with some milk chocolate and marshmallow fluff in the background. Noticed a hint of cinnamon and coconut too, kinda like a tropical twist. Body’s got a nice weight to it, probably from the oak. Finished with a touch of Demerara molasses and sweet vanilla. Really warming on a chilly evening! 😊

Francesca Powell

May 15, 2026, 09:21:36

Quite warming and cosy 🥃 I get a bit of honey, oak, dried fruit and a soft spicy kick. Feels smooth enough, with a wee smoky edge at the end. Nice slow sipper.

Karl Graham

May 12, 2026, 07:51:01

Earthy an' peatie notes hit first, like damp forest floor 🌲. Then a wee bit o' apple an' caramel sweetness creeps in. Quite smoky on the tongue, wi' some vanilla an' oaky warmth. A hint of honey maybe, but very subtle. Finishes kinda dry an' spicy, lingers a bit. Nice for a chilly evenin' by the fire 🥃🥃. Sometimes get a slight malty tang, or is it me? 😅

Michael Green

May 11, 2026, 13:43:02

Smoky and fruity, with a bit of vanilla and oak. 😋 A bit rough on the tongue but nice warmth. 👍 Sometimes I taste hints of apple and honey. 🍯