Glendronach 24 Years Old Cask #Batch 5

This official Glendronach, a 24 year old, cask Batch 5, at 48.9%, 600 bottles in all. Glendronach is a rich Highland malt from the Valley of Forgue, near Huntly. The distillery was an early champion of sherry cask maturation, its malt charming Edinburgh society from the start. 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.

The spirit was run slowly off the spirit still, shaping a rich Highland body with real weight. Maturation came in an Oloroso cask, layered over the full Glendronach make. At this evaporative stage ellagitannins lend structure while oxidation builds a richer raisin and treacle. The full bodied spirit takes active wood well, carrying its dark sugars through the years. Long ageing turns the fresh notes towards date, prune and a dark, bittersweet chocolate.

At its natural 48.9% it is rich and chewy. Raisin, chocolate and a warm spice, with dried fruit, fig and walnut from the cask. A baked apple and a warm cinnamon lift the middle. The finish runs long, full and warming. This is a richly sherried Highland single malt.