Glendronach 19 Years Old 1995 Cask #4028 (TWE)

The Whisky Exchange bottled this Glendronach, a 19 year old, distilled in 1995, from cask 4028, at 55.4%, one of 697 bottles. Glendronach is a deep, dark Highland malt of dried fruit, chocolate and spice. 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 a weighty make built to take active Spanish oak. Maturation came in a Pedro Ximenez sherry puncheon, layered over the full Glendronach make. At oxidative maturity aldehydes lend a nutty edge while ellagitannins draw a drying, structured grip across the fruit. The full bodied spirit takes active wood well, carrying its dark sugars through the years. The casks are picked closely, the wood matched to the rich Glendronach make. Vanillin and oak lactones from the wood lend vanilla and a soft coconut over the fruit.

At its natural 55.4% it is rich and chewy. Baked apple, honey and a dark chocolate, with raisin, date and treacle from the cask. The mouthfeel is full and coating, the fruit dark and sweet. A long finish carries raisin, chocolate and a treacle. This is a Highland single malt of real standing.