Glendronach 28 Years Old 1993 Cask #7100

This official Glendronach, a 28 year old, from 1993, cask 7100, at 51.9%, 667 bottles in all. 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 bought in 1920 by Charles Grant, a son of the founder of Glenfiddich. By 1862 it had grown into the largest duty paying distillery in the Highlands. It ferments in Oregon pine washbacks over long fermentations for a full, fruity spirit.

The spirit was distilled in copper pot stills, for a weighty make built to take active Spanish oak. It was fully matured in an Oloroso sherry puncheon, the wood deep in the rich spirit. At this evaporative stage ellagitannins lend structure while oxidation builds a richer raisin and treacle. Years in oak deepen the spirit to a darker gold, the body growing rounder and more resinous with time.

At its natural 51.9% it is rich and chewy. Raisin, chocolate and a warm spice, with dried fruit, fig and walnut from the cask. Beneath it run dried fruit, dark sugar and a warm spice. Dried fruit, spice and a soft oak see it out. This is the sherry led malt of Forgue.