Glendronach 27 Years Old 1992 Cask #218

A 27 year old Glendronach, a distillery bottling, from 1992, cask 218, at 59%. Glendronach is a Highland single malt known for its heavy Oloroso and Pedro Ximenez sherry maturation. By 1862 it had grown into the largest duty paying distillery in the Highlands. It was bought in 2008 by Billy Walker's BenRiach company, who rebuilt it as a heavily sherried single malt.

Distilled in copper pot stills, for a weighty, full spirit the sherry casks then deepen. Maturation came in an Oloroso sherry butt, layered over the full Glendronach make. At this evaporative stage ellagitannins lend structure while oxidation builds a richer raisin and treacle. Maturation runs slow and even in the traditional dunnage warehouses on the Forgue site. The full spirit deepens with time, the cask drawing out its darker register. The casks are picked closely, the wood matched to the rich Glendronach make.

At a natural 59% it is full and rich. Raisin, chocolate and a warm spice, with dried fruit, fig and walnut from the cask. The mouthfeel is full and coating, the fruit dark and sweet. A long finish carries raisin, chocolate and a treacle. This is a dark, fruity Highland single malt.