Glendronach 25 Years Old 1993 Cask #698

This official Glendronach, a 25 year old, from 1993, cask 698, at 57.7%. 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 was the last distillery in Scotland to fire its stills with coal, converting to steam only in 2005.

It was distilled to a rich, generous cut, for a weighty, full spirit the sherry casks then deepen. 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. 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. Active first fill sherry wood drives the maturation, the cask deep in the malt.

At 57.7%, undiluted, it is dark and full. A rich orchard sweetness and dark sugar, with dried fruit, fig and walnut from the cask. The mouthfeel is full and coating, the fruit dark and sweet. The finish is rounded, dark and spiced. This is the sherry led malt of Forgue.