Glendronach 12 Years Old 1963 (Ex-Bourbon)

This official Glendronach, a 12 year old, from 1963, at 43%. Glendronach is a Highland single malt known for its heavy Oloroso and Pedro Ximenez sherry maturation. It ferments in Oregon pine washbacks over long fermentations for a full, fruity spirit. By 1862 it had grown into the largest duty paying distillery in the Highlands. It was mothballed in 1996 and lay silent until production resumed in 2002. It was bought in 1920 by Charles Grant, a son of the founder of Glenfiddich.

The spirit was taken gently through wash and spirit stills, building a deep malt of dried fruit and dark sugar. Maturation came in ex-Bourbon wood, the oak gentle behind the spirit. Through integration spirit and wood marry, vanillin rounding out as esters lend riper orchard fruit and a chocolate depth. Maturation runs slow and even in the traditional dunnage warehouses on the Forgue site.

Bottled at 43%, it is rounded and full. Orange, raisin and a treacle edge, lifted by a sweet oak. It is full and fruity, the spirit carrying the cask. A long finish carries raisin, chocolate and a treacle. This is a rich Highland malt of dried fruit and chocolate.