Glendronach 20 Years Old 1993 Cask #30 (LMDW)

A 20 year old Glendronach from La Maison du Whisky, distilled in 1993, from cask 30, at 59.7%, one of 626 bottles. Glendronach is a Highland single malt known for its heavy Oloroso and Pedro Ximenez sherry maturation. It was bought in 2008 by Billy Walker's BenRiach company, who rebuilt it as a heavily sherried single malt. 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.

It was distilled in copper pot stills, for a weighty, full spirit the sherry casks then deepen. It was fully matured in an Oloroso sherry butt, the wood deep in the rich spirit. 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. Active first fill sherry wood drives the maturation, the cask deep in the malt.

At a natural 59.7% it is full and rich. A deep, dark sweetness, with dried fruit, fig and walnut from the cask. Dried fruit and a treacle sit behind the spice. The finish is rounded, dark and spiced. This is Glendronach's deep, fruity Highland style.