Glendronach 18 Years Old (Tawny Port Finish)

A distillery release of Glendronach, an 18 year old, at 46%. Glendronach is a Highland single malt, founded in 1826 near Huntly in Aberdeenshire. Its whisky is now overseen by the master blender Dr Rachel Barrie. It joined William Teacher and Sons in 1960 and became a core malt of the Teacher's blend. It ferments in Oregon pine washbacks over long fermentations for a full, fruity spirit.

Distilled to a rich, generous cut, giving a deep, full bodied Highland spirit. It was matured in ex-Bourbon oak and finished in a Tawny Port cask, a layer of Tawny Port over the bourbon vanilla. At oxidative maturity aldehydes lend a nutty edge while ellagitannins draw a drying, structured grip across the fruit. The full spirit deepens with time, the cask drawing out its darker register. Maturation runs slow and even in the traditional dunnage warehouses on the Forgue site.

At 46% it is rich, fruity and deep. A rich orchard sweetness and dark sugar, with a nutty, raisined red fruit from the cask. Beneath it run dried fruit, dark sugar and a warm spice. The finish is long, rich and spiced. This is a richly sherried Highland single malt.