- Distillery: The Glendronach (1826) (Forgue, by Huntly, Aberdeenshire)
- Expression: Glen Dronach (“valley of the brambles”)
- ABV: 48%
- Type: Highland Single Malt
- Cask Profile: Pedro Ximénez Oloroso Sherry & Port Casks.
- Tasting Notes: Peated, treacle, honey & burnt fruits.
GlenDronach Distillery.
The Highland distillery of GlenDronach was founded by James Allardice in 1826, and the distillery has been producing speciality sherry cask single malts since. Hidden in the Aberdeenshire hills, this distillery is a rare find.
The distillery still uses the same iron mash tun and wooden washbacks before distilling in the oringinal saxophone- shaped. copper pot stills. Now made under the watch of Master Blender Rachel Barrie, the GlenDronach team have used the same principles laid down by their founder, still using the traditional Highland practice of burning peat in the kiln towards the end of the barley making to create a rich, earthy peated flavour.
Tasting Notes
Nose: On the nose, the whisky is sweet and smoky. The notes of toffee, treacle and highland honey shine through a backbone of ashy, smoky peat.
Palate (Flavour & Texture): At 48% ABV, the mouthfeel is fresh and smooth. The palate is much more complex than expected. While retaining the toffee notes of the nose, it surprises the drinker with a hit of orange. The peat and smoke are well balanced with the spice of cloves, proving a complexity that reveals itself upon each sip. A delightful peated whisky, balanced with delicious sweet flavours.
Finish: The lingering notes are unmistakably of liquorice – a sweet, aromatic complexity. The peated elements remain until the very end, proving a warming, comforting smokey finish.
The Verdict & Rating
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Who it’s for: A fantastic whisky, for both discerning and beginner palates. Peat heads would be surprised.
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Who might pass: Very few would have a problem with this whisky – unless they have an aversion to peated whisky. A very well-balanced, interesting whisky all around.
Overall, this sweet smoky number is one to savour. As you can see by the photo, I savoured it well and often. A whisky I will remember as a fantastic one for a cold winters evening, by the fire.
Love to hear what you think; please leave a comment.
