Glendronach 20 Years Old 1994 Cask #1481

A distillery release of Glendronach, a 20 year old, from 1994, cask 1481, at 56.1%, 670 bottles in all. Glendronach is a Highland single malt known for its heavy Oloroso and Pedro Ximenez sherry maturation. 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 joined William Teacher and Sons in 1960 and became a core malt of the Teacher's blend.

The spirit was distilled to a rich, generous cut, for a weighty make built to take active Spanish oak. It was fully matured in an Oloroso sherry butt, the wood deep in the rich spirit. At oxidative maturity aldehydes lend a nutty edge while ellagitannins draw a drying, structured grip across the fruit. The casks are picked closely, the wood matched to the rich Glendronach make. Long ageing turns the fresh notes towards date, prune and a dark, bittersweet chocolate.

At a natural 56.1% it is full and rich. Baked apple, honey and a dark chocolate, 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 dark, fruity Highland single malt.