Glendronach 26 Years Old 1993 Cask #5955

This official Glendronach, a 26 year old, from 1993, cask 5955, at 55.3%, 680 bottles in all. Glendronach is a Highland single malt, long a blending malt and now a sherry led name in its own right. It ferments in Oregon pine washbacks over long fermentations for a full, fruity spirit. It passed to Brown Forman, owner of Jack Daniel's, in 2016 as part of a 285 million pound deal.

The spirit was drawn from a thick, heavy wash, for a weighty make built to take active Spanish oak. It was fully matured in a Pedro Ximenez cask, the wood deep in the rich spirit. 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. Long ageing turns the fresh notes towards date, prune and a dark, bittersweet chocolate. The wood frames the spirit without ever stripping the full Highland body.

At a hearty 55.3% it carries real weight. A rich, sherried sweetness, with raisin, date and treacle from the cask. A dark chocolate and a soft oak give it weight. A long finish carries raisin, chocolate and a treacle. This is a Highland single malt of real standing.