Glendronach 25 Years Old 1992 Cask #63

A distillery release of Glendronach, a 25 year old, from 1992, cask 63, at 57.6%, 572 bottles in all. Glendronach is a deep, dark Highland malt of dried fruit, chocolate and spice. 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.

Worked unhurried through the stillhouse, for the rich, sherried make Glendronach is known for. It was matured in an Oloroso sherry butt, the wood working deep into the malt. At this evaporative stage ellagitannins lend structure while oxidation builds a richer raisin and treacle. Vanillin and oak lactones from the wood lend vanilla and a soft coconut over the fruit. Active first fill sherry wood drives the maturation, the cask deep in the malt. The casks are picked closely, the wood matched to the rich Glendronach make. The full spirit deepens with time, the cask drawing out its darker register.

At 57.6%, undiluted, it is dark and full. 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. It finishes long, full and fruity. This is a dark, fruity Highland single malt.