Glendronach 27 Years Old 1992 Cask #5897

This official Glendronach, a 27 year old, from 1992, cask 5897, at 48%, 853 bottles in all. Glendronach is a richly sherried Highland single malt from the Valley of Forgue, built on full bodied spirit and Spanish oak. It was bought in 2008 by Billy Walker's BenRiach company, who rebuilt it as a heavily sherried single malt. It joined William Teacher and Sons in 1960 and became a core malt of the Teacher's blend.

Distilled in copper pot stills, giving a deep, full bodied Highland spirit. It was fully matured in a Port pipe, 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.

At 48%, undiluted, it is dark and full. Baked apple, honey and a dark chocolate, with red berry, plum and a dry spice from the cask. Fig, honey and a dark chocolate fill the middle. A long finish carries raisin, chocolate and a treacle. This is a rich Highland malt of dried fruit and chocolate.