Glendronach 10 Years Old 2002

A distillery release of Glendronach, a 10 year old, from 2002, cask 1743, at 55.3%, 312 bottles in all. Glendronach is a Highland single malt, revived from 2008 by Billy Walker's BenRiach company. It was the last distillery in Scotland to fire its stills with coal, converting to steam only in 2005. It was founded in 1826 by James Allardice, said to be the second man in Scotland to take a licence after the Excise Act of 1823.

The spirit was drawn from a thick, heavy wash, for a weighty, full spirit the sherry casks then deepen. It was matured in a Virgin Oak hogshead, the wood working deep into the malt. Through integration spirit and wood marry, vanillin rounding out as esters lend riper orchard fruit and a chocolate depth. Long ageing turns the fresh notes towards date, prune and a dark, bittersweet chocolate. The full spirit deepens with time, the cask drawing out its darker register.

At a natural 55.3% it is full and rich. Date, fig and a warm cinnamon, with a vanilla, coconut and a sweet spice from the cask. A dark chocolate and a soft oak give it weight. The finish runs long, full and warming. This is a full bodied Highland single malt of real richness.