Glendronach 25 Years Old 1990

Glendronach from the distillery, a 25 year old, from 1990, cask 1375, at 51.6%, 656 bottles in all. Glendronach is a Highland single malt, founded in 1826 near Huntly in Aberdeenshire. It joined William Teacher and Sons in 1960 and became a core malt of the Teacher's blend.

Distilled to a rich, generous cut, for a weighty make built to take active Spanish oak. Maturation came in a Pedro Ximenez sherry puncheon, layered over the full Glendronach make. At this evaporative stage ellagitannins lend structure while oxidation builds a richer raisin and treacle. The casks are picked closely, the wood matched to the rich Glendronach make. The wood frames the spirit without ever stripping the full Highland body. Vanillin and oak lactones from the wood lend vanilla and a soft coconut over the fruit. The full spirit deepens with time, the cask drawing out its darker register.

At its natural 51.6% it is rich and chewy. 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 Highland single malt of real standing.