Glendronach 19 Years Old 1993 Cask #536

This official Glendronach, a 19 year old, from 1993, cask 536, at 59.4%, 596 bottles in all. Glendronach is a Highland single malt, revived from 2008 by Billy Walker's BenRiach company. It was the last distillery in Scotland to fire its stills with coal, converting to steam only in 2005. It was founded in 1826 by James Allardice, said to be the second man in Scotland to take a licence after the Excise Act of 1823.

Distilled in copper pot stills, for the rich, sherried make Glendronach is known for. Maturation came in an Oloroso sherry butt, layered over the full Glendronach make. Through oxidative maturity the esters concentrate, the orchard notes turning to raisin, fig and a dark chocolate. Long ageing turns the fresh notes towards date, prune and a dark, bittersweet chocolate. The full bodied spirit takes active wood well, carrying its dark sugars through the years.

Bottled at a cask strength 59.4%, it is deep and concentrated. Raisin, chocolate and a warm spice, with dried fruit, fig and walnut from the cask. It is full and fruity, the spirit carrying the cask. Dried fruit, spice and a soft oak see it out. This is a richly sherried Highland single malt.