Glendronach 19 Years Old 1971 (Moon-Import)

A Glendronach of a 19 year old chosen by Moon-Import, distilled in 1971, at 43%, one of 600 bottles. Glendronach is a richly sherried Highland single malt from the Valley of Forgue, built on full bodied spirit and Spanish oak. It was the last distillery in Scotland to fire its stills with coal, converting to steam only in 2005. It ferments in Oregon pine washbacks over long fermentations for a full, fruity spirit.

It was worked unhurried through the stillhouse, shaping a rich Highland body with real weight. It was matured in an Oloroso cask, the wood working deep into the malt. Through oxidative maturity the esters concentrate, the orchard notes turning to raisin, fig and a dark chocolate. Vanillin and oak lactones from the wood lend vanilla and a soft coconut over the fruit. Maturation runs slow and even in the traditional dunnage warehouses on the Forgue site.

Reduced to 43%, it is mellow and sweet. A deep, dark sweetness, with dried fruit, fig and walnut from the cask. A baked apple and a warm cinnamon lift the middle. It finishes long, full and fruity. This is a full bodied Highland single malt of real richness.