The GlenDronach 1994 Cask Bottling 28 yo c. 474

 

 

 

51,8°

Distillery : The GlenDronach - Highlands 

Pedro Ximénez Puncheon Cask 

Original Bottling 

Limited Edition 

Single Cask 

Bottled in 2023

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Totally Unpeated

 

 

 

At Glendronach, each Cask Bottling comes from a cask that has been specially selected by the distillery's Master Blender (now Rachel Barrie), because the whisky inside has been deemed remarkable, even exceptional. And when you realise that this particular Cask Bottling has been selected too by La Maison du Whisky for exclusive sale in France as part of the New Vibrations label, you realise that it can only be particularly incredible, because it has been selected twice. It was aged for a minimum of 28 years and nine months in a Pedro Ximénez Puncheon cask, from which 684 bottles were released.

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

Very rich sherry, fruit pastes, blueberry, blackberry and raspberry jam, waxed wood. Chocolate and exotic tones, blood orange, mango and apricot. But it is above all the red fruits that dominate, very pulpy. On the palate, it's unctuous, syrupy, heady, satiny, you can really feel the fruit pulp, the spices add fullness, nutmeg, cardamom, and even thyme and sage, there's liquorice, melted chocolate, wild strawberry, clementine, and a few tarry notes in the background. The finish is very long and mellow, gently drying, then becoming fuller, with fudge, liquorice, coffee, brown tobacco, fruit loukoum, damp and crumbly wood.

 

In Short, 

Glendronach's Cask Bottlings never disappoint. You know what you're going to get, and it's great every time. Such consistency in excellence is impressive. This one is more or less on a par with the others I've had the chance to taste, except that I found the palate a little lacking in expressiveness, but it's still top quality, it's just not the best. The price is also constant, always astronomical, out of reach for us humble workers.

Score : 90

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping :

 

                                           Dave Chavez Band - Nothing But the Blues

The GlenDronach 1993 Cask Bottling Selected By La Maison du Whisky 28 yo c. 7099

 

 

 

52,3°

Distillery : The GlenDronach - Highlands 

Oloroso Sherry Puncheon

Original Bottling 

Limited Edition 

Single Cask 

Bottled in 2022

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Totally Unpeated

Since 2009, the distillery has been offering several vintage bottlings each year in Single Cask, this range is called Cask Bottling, and is divided into Batches. Today we are at Batch 19, published in Spring 2022, which brought together a dozen expressions. This bottling is a Cask Bottling, but it does not belong to a specific Batch, it seems to be a free electron, specially selected by La Maison du Whisky for its Antipodes collection. Aged 28 years in a cask of Sherry Oloroso, it was produced in 634 copies, quickly sold.

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

Intense and very balanced sherry, chocolate, blueberries, cashew nuts, melting caramel, fudge, dried fruits, apricots, dates, grapes, bananas, a few drops of blackcurrant, noble wood, between cherry and mahogany, bay leaves and eucalyptus, forest berries, wild strawberries, gooseberries. On the palate, it's a little rougher, prunes and dried figs, tomato juice, black tea, more red fruits, and beautiful very mastered spices, nutmeg, cloves and cumin. Arabica coffee. Long, rich, full-bodied finish without being aggressive, heather earth, undergrowth, coffee and chocolate, chicory. Cardamom. Hazelnut.

 

In Short, 

A perfect GlenDronach of its kind, superbly balanced, intense, but a little classic for me. That's why, although I enjoyed it a lot, I don't give it a higher rating. But if you serve it to me every night, I won't say no. As for the price, I suggest we go cry in a corner.

Score : 90

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping :

 

                                           Kristene DiMarco - It Is Well

The GlenDronach 1992 Cask Bottling Batch 17 26 yo c. 847

 

 

 

59,8°

Distillery : The GlenDronach - Highlands

Oloroso Sherry Butt

Original Bottling 

Limited Edition 

Single Cask 

Bottled in 2019

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Totally Unpeated

 

 

 

In 2009, the distillery launched The GlenDronach Single Cask range, with a first Batch of only 5 expressions. Given the success and the casks available, the range became biannual from the following year, up to and including 2016 (except the year 2014 when only the Batch 10 was produced). Then it became annual, and in 2017 it changed its name to The GlenDronach Cask Bottling. It now includes 15 bottlings for each Batch, which is a big job for collectors. This one is a 26 year old, not to be confused with three others 26 year old of the same Batch (casks n°113, 221 and 5895), aged in an Oloroso Sherry cask, and only 585 bottles were put on sale.

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

Very dark sherry, deep, yet smooth and balanced. Wood, blackberries, blueberries, toffee, figs, dates, olives, liquorice, damp, rich black earth. Humus, plant moss, crushed berries, apricots and quinces, slightly candied, orange peel. We're in the clearing of a very dense forest, after a shower in early autumn. On the palate, fresh leather, sprinkled with water, fluoride iodine, spices, paprika, cumin, cinnamon, coriander. Strawberries, very low acidity. Very long, powerful finish, dried raisins, pomegranate, goji seeds, charcoal, heather.

In Short, 

It's really excellent, almost magical. The complexity of the product pushes new flavours to the extreme. The red fruits become exotic, the wood takes on a whole new dimension. I really enjoyed it, and I must admit that I wish I'd been able to afford a bottle. Now all I have to do is rob a bank or get a loan.

Note : 91

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping :

 

                                           Philip Glass - Symphony for Eight                            

The GlenDronach Cask Strength Batch 10

 

 

 

58,6°

Distillery : The GlenDronach - Highlands 

Pedro Ximénez and Oloroso Sherry Casks

Original Bottling 

Limited Edition 

Single Malt 

Bottled in 2021

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Totally Unpeated

 

 

 

The tenth GlenDronach Cask Strength arrived after a long waiting time, more than a year after the Batch 9, but especially eight months after the bottling date. In the continuity of the two previous ones, and in opposition with the Batch 7 which had disappointed so much, it is made mostly from Pedro Ximénez casks, but also Oloroso. The number of bottles for sale is not given.

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

Slightly smoky wood, fairly dark charcoal, contrasting with exotic fruits, overripe bananas, papayas, a touch of iodine, dark chocolate, coffee beans. Blackberries, blueberries, muscat grapes. Cashew nuts. Very unctuous on the palate, with cherry liqueur, thick apricot juice, roasted almonds, then spices, paprika, cumin. Varnished wood, forest in wet weather, cut grass. Encaustic. Sufficiently long finish, earth, heather, spices, pepper, roots.

 

In Short, 

Actually, I preferred the Batch 7 which was more fruity. But this one is more original, darker, earthy. Pedro Ximénez casks use their influence, however I did not feel the sweetness, and hardly the fruits, just a deep and mesmerizing sherry. It’s very successful, and for once, the critics are glowing. And it’s deserved. The price is right, go buy a bottle, you will not regret it. 

Score : 89

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                          To Be Listened While Sipping :

  

                                          Julee Cruise - The World Spins

The GlenDronach Cask Strength Batch 7

 

 

 

57,9°

Distillery : The GlenDronach - Highlands 

Oloroso and Pedro Ximénez Sherry Casks

Original Bottling 

Limited Edition 

Single Malt 

Bottled in 2018

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Totally Unpeated

 

 

 

The first batch of GlenDronach Cask Strength was launched in 2012. Like most of this distillery's bottlings, it is dominated by sherry. At the time, the critics were pleased, and the praise never dried up. But when Batch 7 came out, everyone was bitterly disappointed. So what happened? The batches were said to have deteriorated over time, reaching a very mediocre level. Fortunately, I have the opportunity to judge for myself.

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

Very rich, heady nose of cereals and red fruits, blueberries, blackcurrants, raspberries, forest berries, a zest of orange, and perhaps a few well-hidden exotic fruits. Mangoes, passion fruits. The cereals seem toasted, oats, wheat petals. On the palate, honey, clementines, then spices, a bit strong, cumin, paprika, saffron. Precious wood, heather, forest undergrowth, it's slightly vegetal. Humus. Long finish, still spicy, coaly, with figs and dates.

 

In Short, 

Maybe the previous Batches were better, hence the disappointment. But I’m sorry, this one is not bad at all, it’s even very good. The price is decent according to current standards. It is not overwheliming or outstanding, but it is a very nice dram, representative of the distillery, deep and complex. What are they complaining about? 

Score : 89

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping :

 

                                           Khruangbin - People Everywhere

The GlenDronach 15 yo Revival New Version

 

 

 

46°

Distillery : The GlenDronach - Highlands

Pedro Ximénez and Oloroso Sherry Casks

Original Bottling 

Core Range 

Single Malt 

Launched in 2018

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured

Totally Unpeated

 

 

 

In 2009, shortly after GlenDronach was taken over by the BenRiach Distillery Company, this Revival was born to symbolise the rebirth of the distillery. This old version, matured exclusively in Oloroso sherry casks, was reputed to be excellent, partly because the whisky used was over 15 years old, since the distillery was closed between 1996 and 2002. Production ceased in 2015. This new version, launched in 2018, is aged in Oloroso and Pedro Ximénez casks.

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

Pure sherry that expresses itself in an avalanche of fruits, dried raisins, damsons, figs, almonds, light caramel that's a little burnt, pears with melted chocolate, woody leather, elastic, cereals, pineapple in syrup, all very nuanced. Silky and tasty, equally fruity palate, mirabelle plum and grapes, fresh quartered apple, prune juice, a touch of mint, spices that rise quickly. Strong, long finish, on earth and liquorice stick. Amarena cherries in retro-olfaction.

 

In Short, 

It's really astonishing, I don't think I've ever tasted anything so fruity, and above all so varied in fruit. That said, at the risk of shocking people, I prefer the 12 yo Original, which is earthier and more red-fruited. It's a question of personal taste, because I can see that the Revival is richer overall. It remains an experience worth trying for any self-respecting lover of sherry cask-aged whisky.

Score : 87

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping :

  

                                           Dirty Three - Some Summers They Drop Like Flies

The GlenDronach Peated

 

 

 

46°

Distillery : The GlenDronach - Highlands

Bourbon Casks, Oloroso and Pedro Ximénez Sherry Finish 

Original Bottling 

Core Range 

Single Malt 

Launched in 2015

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured

Peated around 25 ppm

GlenDronach, which usually uses sherry casks for a product that is not peated at all, has decided to include a peated bottling in its catalogue. It is said that in ancient times, the distillery always used peat, so this is a return to its roots.

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

Thick, damp peat with a vegetal touch. Behind, hints of vanilla and mango juice due to ageing in bourbon casks. Mirabelles and greengages. A dash of acidity. I can't taste the sherry cask finish. On the palate, though, it's a bit young, metallic, coaly, the vanilla struggling to find its way through. Lemon pulp. Relatively balanced. The finish pulls slightly, chalky, leaving an aftertaste of ash and tobacco. Although aggressive, it doesn't last very long.

 

In Short, 

Back to basics or not, in my opinion it's a failure. On the nose the peat lacks depth, on the palate it's too young, and the finish is a bit unpleasant. GlenDronach's peat-free sherry cask-aged bottlings are much better, so they'd do better to stick to them.

Score : 81

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                         To Be Listened While Sipping :

      

                                         Billy Idol - John Wayne

The GlenDronach 18 yo Allardice

43°

Distillery : The GlenDronach - Highlands

Oloroso Sherry Casks

Original Bottling

Core Range

Single Malt

Launched in 2009

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured

Totally Unpeated

This prestige edition is named in tribute to the founder of the GlenDronach distillery, James Allardice.

Let's Taste It : 

Very coppery sherry, quite dry, deep, fruity, prickly pear, rhubarb compote, fresh leather, plum, wood. Varnish and a hint of camphor. Excellent on the palate, the fruits are varied, with candied cherry, sweet potato, granny smith apple, quince and apricot. Green tea. Slightly acidic and greedy, even pastry-like, with nougatine, chocolate fondant and praline. Long finish with earth, liquorice and charcoal. A few ground coffee beans, a pinch of pepper. Cinnamon.

In Short, 

This ageing in Oloroso sherry casks will delight enthusiasts. Personally, I think it's excellent, but a little too sweet. That said, the price is not exaggerated, so you may be tempted.

Score : 88

                                            To Be Listened While Sipping : 

                                           Yes - Heart of The Sunrise

The GlenDronach 12 yo Original

43°
Distillery : The GlenDronach - Highlands
Pedro Ximénez and Oloroso Sherry Casks
Original Bottling
Core Range
Single Malt
Launched in 2009
Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured
Totally Unpeated

This one is the entry-level from the GlenDronach distillery, launched shortly after it was taken over by the BenRiach Distillery Company.

Let's Taste It : 

The sherry jumps out at the face, both fruity and very dry, with a hint of spice. Grapes, dried apricots, but also red fruits, raspberries, plums, greengages and papaya. Waxed wood and cherry. Homemade bread, eucalyptus. Some honeyed notes. Very light smoke. On the palate, just as much fruit, just as much sherry, dark chocolate, hazelnut, strawberry, with a touch of blood. The finish is very long, with caramel and earth, pulling towards the wine. Charcoal shadow. Muscat grapes. Damp undergrowth.

In Short, 

An absolute classic when it comes to finishing in sherry casks, at a very reasonable price. Greedy and balanced, it's so well made that even non-sherry lovers should like it.

Score : 86

                                          To Be Listened While Sipping :

    

                                          John Abercrombie Quartet - 39 Steps