Glendronach 8 Years Old JW (Jack Wiebers Whisky World)

An 8 year old Glendronach from Jack Wiebers Whisky World, at 43%. Glendronach is a Highland single malt whose founder was an early champion of sherry cask maturation. It was the last distillery in Scotland to fire its stills with coal, converting to steam only in 2005. It was bought in 1920 by Charles Grant, a son of the founder of Glenfiddich. Its whisky is now overseen by the master blender Dr Rachel Barrie.

The spirit was run slowly off the spirit still, for the rich, sherried make Glendronach is known for. It married ex-Bourbon oak and an Oloroso cask, the wood deep in the rich spirit. At an extractive age eugenol lends a clove note and lactones a coconut, the spirit rich, fruity and full. Long ageing turns the fresh notes towards date, prune and a dark, bittersweet chocolate. The casks are picked closely, the wood matched to the rich Glendronach make.

Bottled at 43%, it is rounded and full. A deep, dark sweetness, with dried fruit, fig and walnut from the cask. A dark chocolate and a soft oak give it weight. The close is rich and dark, fruit over a warm spice. This is a dark, fruity Highland single malt.