Glendronach 18 Years Old 1996 Cask #244

A distillery release of Glendronach, an 18 year old, from 1996, cask 244, at 56.9%, 399 bottles in all. Glendronach is a rich Highland malt from the Valley of Forgue, near Huntly. It was the last distillery in Scotland to fire its stills with coal, converting to steam only in 2005. It was bought in 1920 by Charles Grant, a son of the founder of Glenfiddich. It was mothballed in 1996 and lay silent until production resumed in 2002.

The spirit was distilled in copper pot stills, for a weighty make built to take active Spanish oak. An Oloroso sherry butt held it, drawing the rich spirit on over the years. At oxidative maturity aldehydes lend a nutty edge while ellagitannins draw a drying, structured grip across the fruit. The casks are picked closely, the wood matched to the rich Glendronach make. Long ageing turns the fresh notes towards date, prune and a dark, bittersweet chocolate.

At a natural 56.9% it is full and rich. A deep, dark sweetness, with dried fruit, fig and walnut from the cask. A dark chocolate and a soft oak give it weight. It finishes long, full and fruity. This is the sherry led malt of Forgue.