Glendronach 18 Years Old (Marsala Cask Finish)

Glendronach from the distillery, an 18 year old, at 46%, 2112 bottles in all. Glendronach is a Highland single malt whose founder was an early champion of sherry cask maturation. It joined William Teacher and Sons in 1960 and became a core malt of the Teacher's blend. By 1862 it had grown into the largest duty paying distillery in the Highlands. 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.

The spirit was distilled in copper pot stills, building a deep malt of dried fruit and dark sugar. Ex-Bourbon matured, it was given a finish in a Marsala hogshead for a final sweetness. Through oxidative maturity the esters concentrate, the orchard notes turning to raisin, fig and a dark chocolate. The full spirit deepens with time, the cask drawing out its darker register.

At 46% it is smooth and rich. Baked apple, honey and a dark chocolate, with a raisined, herbal sweetness from the cask. A dark chocolate and a soft oak give it weight. The finish is rounded, dark and spiced. This is a deep, sherried Highland single malt.