Glendronach 13 Years Old 2011

A distillery release of Glendronach, a 13 year old, from 2011, cask 885, at 58.8%. Glendronach is a Highland single malt, founded in 1826 near Huntly in Aberdeenshire. Its whisky is now overseen by the master blender Dr Rachel Barrie. It was the last distillery in Scotland to fire its stills with coal, converting to steam only in 2005.

The spirit was drawn from a thick, heavy wash, giving a deep, full bodied Highland spirit. It was fully matured in an Oloroso sherry puncheon, the wood deep in the rich spirit. In integration coconut and vanilla knit with the malt, the orchard notes deepening to sultana, date and chocolate. Maturation runs slow and even in the traditional dunnage warehouses on the Forgue site. Vanillin and oak lactones from the wood lend vanilla and a soft coconut over the fruit. The full spirit deepens with time, the cask drawing out its darker register.

At a natural 58.8% it is full and rich. Raisin, chocolate and a warm spice, with dried fruit, fig and walnut from the cask. Fig, honey and a dark chocolate fill the middle. The finish is long, rich and spiced. This is Glendronach's deep, fruity Highland style.