Glendronach 27 Years Old 1955

Gordon and MacPhail, the Elgin grocer laying down casks on South Street since 1895, bottled this Glendronach, distilled in 1955, at 40%. Glendronach is a Highland single malt whose founder was an early champion of sherry cask maturation. It was bought in 1920 by Charles Grant, a son of the founder of Glenfiddich. It was bought in 2008 by Billy Walker's BenRiach company, who rebuilt it as a heavily sherried single malt.

The spirit was taken gently through wash and spirit stills, building a deep malt of dried fruit and dark sugar. A refill bourbon hogshead held it, keeping the full character to the fore. 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. Long ageing turns the fresh notes towards date, prune and a dark, bittersweet chocolate. The casks are picked closely, the wood matched to the rich Glendronach make.

At 40% it is rich, fruity and deep. Raisin, chocolate and a warm spice, lifted by a sweet oak. Beneath it run dried fruit, dark sugar and a warm spice. It finishes long, full and fruity. This is a full bodied Highland single malt of real richness.