GlenDronach – 12 Year Old (70cl, 43%)

This is a 12 year old Highland single malt from the GlenDronach distillery, bottled at 43% in a 70cl bottle. It matured in a combination of Pedro Ximénez and Oloroso sherry casks, and the colour is natural. The two cask types are described as playing different parts: Pedro Ximénez brings a rich fruit sweetness, while Oloroso adds structure, nuttiness and a dry spiciness. On the nose there are raisins, dates and figs, with dark chocolate, toffee, spicy wood and a hint of orange peel. The palate offers sweet dried fruit and caramel, roasted nuts and spice, and the finish is long and velvety, with sherry, spice and dark chocolate.