This is one of a series of single cask, cask strength offerings from GlenDronach, most of which have been matured in oloroso sherry casks and covering about 25 years of maturation. The variety is amazing. – Dominic Roskrow
GlenDronach, 1990 vintage, 20 year old, oloroso cask #2621, 57.9%, £80
If every fan of sherried whisky has a favorite GlenDronach then this is a long way down the road to being mine. It has a dusty dried orange peel, powdery, and perfumey nose, a soft and sweet round palate with a dark chocolate, tangerine, and pink grapefruit heart, and a balanced and gentle finish. This was probably once a hollerin’ maned lion of a malt, but it’s grown old gracefully and it now purrs and growls beautifully. (Dominic Roskrow)
Advanced Malt Advocate magazine rating: 90
GlenDronach, 1991 vintage, 18 year old, sherry puncheon cask #3182, 51.7%, £71
The variety between this series of single casks is quite extraordinary. This has a soft and light nose with some mint and liqueured fruit, and a big, rich, and impressive taste with anise and menthol, glacé cherries, and traces of mint. The finish is warming and full, with the mint and cherry theme carrying through to a slightly peppery conclusion. (Dominic Roskrow)
Advanced Malt Advocate magazine rating: 86
GlenDronach, 1971 vintage, 39 year old, oloroso cask #489, 48.8%, £380
This whisky is doddery and on the edge, bordering on feeble. You have to look hard to find its spark and fire, but if you search for it, it is there. The nose is light and savory, with crushed fall leaves and chestnut on the nose. On the palate, there are traces of licorice stick, a touch of cumin, anise, and a creamier, less bitter chocolate note than some other samples. It finishes with traces of mandarin, but overall the sun is setting and the spirited and energetic man of old seems to be getting bitter. Overall, though, still pretty impressive for its age. (Dominic Roskrow)
Advanced Malt Advocate magazine rating: 83
GlenDronach, 1989 vintage, 20 year old, pedro ximenez puncheon cask #3315, 53.2%, £80
This is the most seasonal of this batch of GlenDronachs, with a nose of rich stewed prunes and fermenting fruit in an orchard at harvest time. There is some anise and cherry lozenge in the mix, too, and the palate is complex, with plums, stewed fruits, and damson jam. The finish is drying, dusty, and spiky. (Dominic Roskrow)
Advanced Malt Advocate magazine rating: 83
GlenDronach, 1978 vintage, 31 year old, oloroso cask #1040, 51.2%, £185
No doubt about it, we’re at the furthest outpost of GlenDronach’s territory here, and this particular cask has waved the white flag. It has a dense, sappy, and nutty nose which is very savory and not particularly attractive. But thankfully there’s more to welcome you on the palate, with some rich orange and red fruit and sweet candy providing balance to the savory notes, and gentle oak and hazelnuts also getting a look in. The finish is woody and pruney. (Dominic Roskrow)
Advanced Malt Advocate magazine rating: 82
GlenDronach, 1993 vintage, 17 year old, oloroso sherry cask #529, 60.5%, £67
This isn’t the easiest to fall for. It’s stewed, swampy, a big, feisty, take-no-prisoners whisky with oxtail soup, spicy tomato and meat broth on the nose, then black treacle, praline, cayenne, and paprika. A rootsy prune juice is part of the finish. Challenging and tough. (Dominic Roskrow)
Advanced Malt Advocate magazine rating: 80
GlenDronach Grandeur, 31 year old, 45.8%, $700
es for their first series of single cask bottlings since taking over the distillery last year.
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