Glendronach 28 Years Old 1994 Cask #474

This official Glendronach, a 28 year old, from 1994, cask 474, at 51.8%, 684 bottles in all. Glendronach is a Highland single malt, founded in 1826 near Huntly in Aberdeenshire. Its water is the Dronac Burn, which also gave the distillery its name. It joined William Teacher and Sons in 1960 and became a core malt of the Teacher's blend. It was mothballed in 1996 and lay silent until production resumed in 2002.

Run slowly off the spirit still, shaping a rich Highland body with real weight. A Pedro Ximenez sherry puncheon held it, drawing the rich spirit on over the years. At this evaporative stage ellagitannins lend structure while oxidation builds a richer raisin and treacle. Years in oak deepen the spirit to a darker gold, the body growing rounder and more resinous with time. The casks are picked closely, the wood matched to the rich Glendronach make.

At its natural 51.8% it is rich and chewy. Fig, walnut and a bittersweet chocolate, with raisin, date and treacle from the cask. A dark chocolate and a soft oak give it weight. Dried fruit, spice and a soft oak see it out. This is Glendronach's deep, fruity Highland style.