Glendronach 20 Years Old 1993 Cask #1618

A distillery release of Glendronach, a 20 year old, from 1993, cask 1618, at 59.9%, 600 bottles in all. Glendronach is a Highland single malt known for its heavy Oloroso and Pedro Ximenez sherry maturation. It ferments in Oregon pine washbacks over long fermentations for a full, fruity spirit. It joined William Teacher and Sons in 1960 and became a core malt of the Teacher's blend.

Distilled in copper pot stills, for a weighty, full spirit the sherry casks then deepen. An Oloroso sherry butt held it, drawing the rich spirit on over the years. At oxidative maturity aldehydes lend a nutty edge while ellagitannins draw a drying, structured grip across the fruit. Active first fill sherry wood drives the maturation, the cask deep in the malt. The wood frames the spirit without ever stripping the full Highland body. Long ageing turns the fresh notes towards date, prune and a dark, bittersweet chocolate.

At its natural 59.9% it is rich and chewy. A deep, dark sweetness, with dried fruit, fig and walnut from the cask. A dark chocolate and a soft oak give it weight. It finishes long, full and fruity. This is a deep, sherried Highland single malt.