GlenDronach 20 Year Old Octaves A Sherry Lover's Whisky

Barrels and casks used in the world of whisky aging can come different sizes, depending upon the needs of the distillery. One such type is known as an octave cask, described by the GlenDronach distillery, as being made “made from staves of a previously used sherry butt and is approximately one-eighth the size of a butt.” It is to this cask style Master Distiller Billy Walker turned recently as part of the aging process for the just released GlenDronach 20 Year Old Octaves expression.

GlenDronach 20 Year Old Octaves, according to the distillery, was distilled back in September, 1994 before being aged first in sherry casks. Final maturation before bottling was then done in Pedro Ximenez Sherry Octaves, resulting in a Scotch which saw a greater amount of interaction between cask wood and the spirit in its last few months.

The 20 year old whisky, given the small casks sized used to finish it, is an extremely limited release of just 371 bottles. Though GlenDronach did not mention a price, I’ve been seeing a few online for sale for at least $500. Official tasting notes for this fascinating Scotch are below from the distillery.

Appearance: Rich, red maple leaf in dark amber.

Nose: An intense concentration of chocolate fondant, candied ginger and glacé cherries, all perfectly balanced with a warming grind of black pepper, rich oak spices and a slight touch of liquorice.

Palate: Full-bodied sherry characteristics give dark molasses, enriched Christmas cake, sour plum syrup and delightful cigar box spices. A subtle combination of dark espresso and a nutty dryness gives the finish tremendous depth.

Finish:  A rare combination of heavyweight sherry Octave maturation and robust rich Highland whisky characteristics capturing the darkest depths to the most delicate spice.