Glendronach 12 Years Old 2004 Cask #5527

Glendronach from the distillery, a 12 year old, from 2004, cask 5527, at 58.6%, 688 bottles in all. Glendronach is a deep, dark Highland malt of dried fruit, chocolate and spice. It was bought in 1920 by Charles Grant, a son of the founder of Glenfiddich. It joined William Teacher and Sons in 1960 and became a core malt of the Teacher's blend. It was the last distillery in Scotland to fire its stills with coal, converting to steam only in 2005.

The spirit was taken gently through wash and spirit stills, for a weighty make built to take active Spanish oak. A Pedro Ximenez sherry puncheon held it, drawing the rich spirit on over the years. 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.

At its natural 58.6% it is rich and chewy. Baked apple, honey and a dark chocolate, with raisin, date and treacle from the cask. The mouthfeel is full and coating, the fruit dark and sweet. The close is rich and dark, fruit over a warm spice. This is a rich Highland malt of dried fruit and chocolate.