Glendronach 15 Years Old

A distillery release of Glendronach, a 15 year old, at 46%. Glendronach is a Highland single malt, founded in 1826 near Huntly in Aberdeenshire. It was bought in 2008 by Billy Walker's BenRiach company, who rebuilt it as a heavily sherried single malt. By 1862 it had grown into the largest duty paying distillery in the Highlands.

It was drawn from a thick, heavy wash, for the rich, sherried make Glendronach is known for. It was matured in Pedro Ximenez and Oloroso sherry casks, the woods working into the full spirit. At oxidative maturity aldehydes lend a nutty edge while ellagitannins draw a drying, structured grip across the fruit. The full bodied spirit takes active wood well, carrying its dark sugars through the years. Long ageing turns the fresh notes towards date, prune and a dark, bittersweet chocolate. Vanillin and oak lactones from the wood lend vanilla and a soft coconut over the fruit.

Reduced to 46%, it is mellow and sweet. A rich orchard sweetness and dark sugar, with raisin, date and treacle from the cask. It is full and fruity, the spirit carrying the cask. A deep finish ends on dried fruit and a dark chocolate. This is Glendronach's deep, fruity Highland style.