1990 Glendronach Single Cask No. 2623 Oloroso Butt Cask Strength 28 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

Near impossible to find in the UK, with only a small portion sold as a distillery exclusive (it was snapped up in a day).

Tasting note: [15ml sample] x Sherry casks are Glendronach's stock and trade, but it's the Oloroso variety that remains their signature. This one shows breed and polish, building sherry definition over 2-3 minutes; Creme brulee, stewed prunes, plum jam and sweet nutty aromas lead into a melting pot of wood, sherry and malt in equal parts; Unfolds in slow motion; flavours of rose hip, raisin cake, honey and matchstick before developing a pithy freshness. New leather, hints of triple sec, dried apricots, baking spices and marzipan rally in the aftertaste. Some forgivable sulphur, otherwise an Alpha cask. 50.1% Alc./Vol. 437 bottles on offer.

Batch 17 of Glendronach's single casks have finally arrived, made up of twelve heavily sherried expressions and two matured in Port pipes. This time, new owners Brown Forman have divvied up the allocations, much like their sister distillery Benriach did with their recent batch. Of the fourteen casks, we have six of the seven available that were exclusive to Asia, Australia, New Zealand and Canada (the other seven casks are exclusive to Europe). Kudos should go to Master Blender, Rachel Barrie for her contrasting selections, each showcasing a different aspect of Glendronach's house style - from robust, fruity and full-bodied to at times elegant. With prices set to maximum temptation, all bottlings are expected to sell fast.