Glendronach 14 Years Old 1994

Glendronach from the distillery, a 14 year old, from 1994, cask 2311, at 58.5%, 596 bottles in all. Glendronach is a rich Highland malt from the Valley of Forgue, near Huntly. 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 ferments in Oregon pine washbacks over long fermentations for a full, fruity spirit.

The spirit was worked unhurried through the stillhouse, for the rich, sherried make Glendronach is known for. It was matured in an Oloroso sherry puncheon, the wood working deep into the malt. In integration coconut and vanilla knit with the malt, the orchard notes deepening to sultana, date and chocolate. Active first fill sherry wood drives the maturation, the cask deep in the malt. Vanillin and oak lactones from the wood lend vanilla and a soft coconut over the fruit.

At its natural 58.5% it is rich and chewy. A rich orchard sweetness and dark sugar, with dried fruit, fig and walnut from the cask. A baked apple and a warm cinnamon lift the middle. It finishes long, full and fruity. This is a rich Highland malt of dried fruit and chocolate.