Glendronach 25 Years Old 1993 Cask #658 (TWB)

A Glendronach of a 25 year old chosen by The Whisky Barrel, distilled in 1993, from cask 658, at 59.3%, one of 557 bottles. Glendronach is a richly sherried Highland single malt from the Valley of Forgue, built on full bodied spirit and Spanish oak. 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. It ferments in Oregon pine washbacks over long fermentations for a full, fruity spirit.

It was taken gently through wash and spirit stills, giving a deep, full bodied Highland spirit. An Oloroso sherry butt held it, drawing the rich spirit on over the years. At this evaporative stage ellagitannins lend structure while oxidation builds a richer raisin and treacle. Active first fill sherry wood drives the maturation, the cask deep in the malt. Maturation runs slow and even in the traditional dunnage warehouses on the Forgue site.

Bottled at a cask strength 59.3%, it is deep and concentrated. A deep, dark sweetness, with dried fruit, fig and walnut from the cask. Fig, honey and a dark chocolate fill the middle. A deep finish ends on dried fruit and a dark chocolate. This is Glendronach's deep, fruity Highland style.