Glendronach 12 Years Old 1962

This official Glendronach, a 12 year old, from 1962, at 43%. Glendronach is a Highland single malt, revived from 2008 by Billy Walker's BenRiach company. 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. It was mothballed in 1996 and lay silent until production resumed in 2002. By 1862 it had grown into the largest duty paying distillery in the Highlands.

It was taken gently through wash and spirit stills, shaping a rich Highland body with real weight. A refill bourbon hogshead held it, keeping the full character to the fore. Through integration spirit and wood marry, vanillin rounding out as esters lend riper orchard fruit and a chocolate depth. Active first fill sherry wood drives the maturation, the cask deep in the malt. Long ageing turns the fresh notes towards date, prune and a dark, bittersweet chocolate.

At an approachable 43% it is soft and fruity. Orange, raisin and a treacle edge, lifted by a sweet oak. Dried fruit and a treacle sit behind the spice. The finish runs long, full and warming. This is a deep, sherried Highland single malt.