Glendronach 25 Years Old 1991

This official Glendronach, a 25 year old, from 1991, at 48.2%, 2137 bottles in all. Glendronach is a richly sherried Highland single malt from the Valley of Forgue, built on full bodied spirit and Spanish oak. The distillery was an early champion of sherry cask maturation, its malt charming Edinburgh society from the start. It was bought in 1920 by Charles Grant, a son of the founder of Glenfiddich. 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.

Distilled to a rich, generous cut, for a weighty, full spirit the sherry casks then deepen. It was matured in an Oloroso cask, the wood working deep into the malt. 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.

At a hearty 48.2% it carries real weight. Baked apple, honey and a dark chocolate, with dried fruit, fig and walnut from the cask. Dried fruit and a treacle sit behind the spice. The finish runs long, full and warming. This is a full bodied Highland single malt of real richness.