Glendronach 14 Years Old 1990 (Wilson & Morgan)

This Glendronach comes from Wilson and Morgan, the Italian house from Treviso, a 14 year old, distilled in 1990, at 46%. Glendronach is a Highland single malt known for its heavy Oloroso and Pedro Ximenez sherry maturation. It was mothballed in 1996 and lay silent until production resumed in 2002. It was the last distillery in Scotland to fire its stills with coal, converting to steam only in 2005.

It was run slowly off the spirit still, for a weighty make built to take active Spanish oak. Ex-Bourbon matured, it was given a finish in a Port cask for a final sweetness. By the integrating teens the raw notes fade and esters build, the rich spirit growing rounder and darker. Long ageing turns the fresh notes towards date, prune and a dark, bittersweet chocolate. The casks are picked closely, the wood matched to the rich Glendronach make.

At an approachable 46% it is soft and fruity. Fig, walnut and a bittersweet chocolate, with red berry, plum and a dry spice from the cask. Dried fruit and a treacle sit behind the spice. A long finish carries raisin, chocolate and a treacle. This is a richly sherried Highland single malt.