Glendronach 13 Years Old 2003 Cask #713

A distillery release of Glendronach, a 13 year old, from 2003, cask 713, at 56.5%, 670 bottles in all. Glendronach is a Highland single malt, founded in 1826 near Huntly in Aberdeenshire. It was bought in 1920 by Charles Grant, a son of the founder of Glenfiddich. It ferments in Oregon pine washbacks over long fermentations for a full, fruity spirit.

Taken gently through wash and spirit stills, for a weighty make built to take active Spanish oak. It was fully matured in a Pedro Ximenez sherry puncheon, the wood deep in the rich spirit. By the integrating teens the raw notes fade and esters build, the rich spirit growing rounder and darker. The full spirit deepens with time, the cask drawing out its darker register. The wood frames the spirit without ever stripping the full Highland body. Vanillin and oak lactones from the wood lend vanilla and a soft coconut over the fruit.

At its natural 56.5% it is rich and chewy. A deep, dark sweetness, with raisin, date and treacle from the cask. A baked apple and a warm cinnamon lift the middle. Dried fruit, spice and a soft oak see it out. This is a Highland single malt of real standing.