Glendronach 11 Years Old 2009 Cask #40 (Hart Brothers)

A Glendronach of an 11 year old chosen by Hart Brothers, distilled in 2009, from cask 40, at 58.1%, one of 650 bottles. Glendronach is a Highland single malt, revived from 2008 by Billy Walker's BenRiach company. By 1862 it had grown into the largest duty paying distillery in the Highlands. It joined William Teacher and Sons in 1960 and became a core malt of the Teacher's blend. It was bought in 1920 by Charles Grant, a son of the founder of Glenfiddich. 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.

Drawn from a thick, heavy wash, for a weighty, full spirit the sherry casks then deepen. Maturation came in an Oloroso sherry butt, layered over the full Glendronach make. In integration coconut and vanilla knit with the malt, the orchard notes deepening to sultana, date and chocolate. Vanillin and oak lactones from the wood lend vanilla and a soft coconut over the fruit.

At a hearty 58.1% it carries real weight. Orange, raisin and a treacle edge, with dried fruit, fig and walnut from the cask. Dried fruit and a treacle sit behind the spice. The finish is rounded, dark and spiced. This is a Highland single malt of real standing.