Glendronach 20 Years Old 1995 Cask #4074

This official Glendronach, a 20 year old, from 1995, cask 4074, at 52.8%, 735 bottles in all. Glendronach is a deep, dark Highland malt of dried fruit, chocolate and spice. It ferments in Oregon pine washbacks over long fermentations for a full, fruity spirit. It passed to Brown Forman, owner of Jack Daniel's, in 2016 as part of a 285 million pound deal. Its whisky is now overseen by the master blender Dr Rachel Barrie.

The spirit was run slowly off the spirit still, for a weighty make built to take active Spanish oak. A Pedro Ximenez sherry puncheon held it, drawing the rich spirit on over the years. Through oxidative maturity the esters concentrate, the orchard notes turning to raisin, fig and a dark chocolate. 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 52.8%, undiluted, it is dark and full. A rich, sherried sweetness, with raisin, date and treacle from the cask. Dried fruit and a treacle sit behind the spice. The close is rich and dark, fruit over a warm spice. This is a rich Highland malt of dried fruit and chocolate.