Origin: Highlands (Scotland)
Type: Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Gradation: 46%
Ageing casks: Ex-Bourbon, ex-Sherry Oloroso and PX
Chillfiltered: No
Added coloring: No
Owner: Brown Forman Corporation (BenRiach)
Average price: € 50.00
Official website: www.glendronachdistillery.com
Vote: 85/100
Before being the (almost) quintessential whisky when it comes to Sherry maturation, GlenDronach was also known for being peated, albeit in a mild way.
In honour of the ‘days gone by’, in 2015 the distillery decided to produce this unique version in its core portfolio, which has garnered some success.
There is also a limited edition with a Port finish.
Peat at 25ppm, so not particularly high, with the Sherry working on the final maturation, adding to the Bourbon perhaps to better balance the aromas.
Will this be the case?
Tasting notes
Light gold in the glass.
Iron peat on the nose, which is grafted onto fruity notes (peach, apple, blackberry), vanilla. Catalan cream, blood orange, nuts. A veil of cinnamon and nutmeg, in the background impressions of wood wax. Simple but structured.
On the palate, the peat becomes woody and toasted, more present but without overpowering, allowing the aromas to express themselves harmoniously without being suffocated. Spices, dried fruit, honey, liquorice, malt, a touch of rhubarb… the tones are balanced against a backdrop of wood.
The finish is quite long, alternating sweet and bitter on a carpet of ash, with a light saline touch.
When in simplicity you can still find harmony and elegance, without looking for explosive sensations or great emotions but only the pleasure of a well-made whisky. A whisky that is understated and polite but not negligible.
Reviews of GlenDronach whisky in the blog:
GlenDronach Allardice 18yo
GlenDronach Cask Strength Batch 7
GlenDronach Original 12yo
GlenDronach Parliament 21yo
GlenDronach The Hielan’ 8yo
Other perspectives:
Malt Review