Glendronach 15 Years Old (Revival)

Glendronach from the distillery, a 15 year old, at 46%. Glendronach is a Highland single malt, founded in 1826 near Huntly in Aberdeenshire. It passed to Brown Forman, owner of Jack Daniel's, in 2016 as part of a 285 million pound deal. Its whisky is now overseen by the master blender Dr Rachel Barrie.

The spirit was run slowly off the spirit still, giving a deep, full bodied Highland spirit. Maturation came in an Oloroso cask, layered over the full Glendronach make. Into oxidative maturity, slow air builds ripe esters and a darker chocolate, fig and date depth. Long ageing turns the fresh notes towards date, prune and a dark, bittersweet chocolate. Vanillin and oak lactones from the wood lend vanilla and a soft coconut over the fruit. The wood frames the spirit without ever stripping the full Highland body. The casks are picked closely, the wood matched to the rich Glendronach make.

At an approachable 46% it is soft and fruity. A deep, dark sweetness, with dried fruit, fig and walnut from the cask. Dried fruit and a treacle sit behind the spice. It finishes long, full and fruity. This is a Highland single malt of real standing.