Glendronach 15 Years Old 2002

Glendronach from the distillery, a 15 year old, from 2002, cask 4648, at 54.7%, 678 bottles in all. Glendronach is a Highland single malt, long a blending malt and now a sherry led name in its own right. It was the last distillery in Scotland to fire its stills with coal, converting to steam only in 2005.

It was distilled in copper pot stills, for the rich, sherried make Glendronach is known for. A Pedro Ximenez sherry puncheon held it, drawing the rich spirit on over the years. Through oxidative maturity the esters concentrate, the orchard notes turning to raisin, fig and a dark chocolate. The wood frames the spirit without ever stripping the full Highland body. Years in oak deepen the spirit to a darker gold, the body growing rounder and more resinous with time. Vanillin and oak lactones from the wood lend vanilla and a soft coconut over the fruit.

At a natural 54.7% it is full and rich. A rich orchard sweetness and dark sugar, with raisin, date and treacle from the cask. A dark chocolate and a soft oak give it weight. A long finish carries raisin, chocolate and a treacle. This is a Highland single malt of real standing.