Search
Close this search box.

3 New Glendronach Whisky Releases Are Extraordinary

Scotland’s Glendronach distillery has been on a mission this year when it comes to new Scotch releases. The latest case in point is the debut last month of three new “extraordinary” expressions, as they put them. One of the bottlings is a Madeira finish single malt which is nearly two decades old, so I guess if that qualifies as extraordinary I’m all for it.

The three new releases include, besides the 19 years old Madeira finish, the distillery’s first ever peated release and also its latest Cask Strength expression. The Madeira offering, bottled at 46% ABV, was first matured in European oak casks before being finished in the ex-wine hogsheads. Official tasting notes for it, along with the other two whiskies, are at the end of this article.

Glendronach

With regards to the Cask Strength Batch 5 Scotch, Glendronach noted, it was matured in a combination of Spanish Pedro Ximenez and Oloroso Sherry casks before being bottled at 55.3% ABV. It is a non-age statement whisky with a natural color that’s described as “rich amber edged with gold.”

Finally, the non-age statement Peated release is something of a first for a distillery not known for this style of whisky. It was distilled using peated malted barley before first being “matured in bourbon casks followed by a second period of maturation in the finest Oloroso and Pedro Ximenez sherry casks.” It was bottled at 46% ABV and has a natural color that is “vivid harvest gold” in its appearance.

“It is absolutely phenomenal,” said excited Glendronach master distiller Billy Walker in a statement.

GlenDronach Peated:

The delicate peat influence provides a smouldering charred wood character filled with freshly ground barley and hints of vanilla toffee, while elsewhere on the nose a delightful aroma of ripe gooseberries dusted with cinnamon sugar combines with a contrasting crisp citrus twist. 

On the palate, vibrant oak spices and floral heather honey develop to rosehips and barley sugars, all warmed by a touch of white pepper. Subtle peat notes complement the palate by giving a delicate depth and dryness of glowing campfire embers.

The finish is memorable; a unique marriage of crisp fruit and barley-laden Highland characteristics is surrounded by gentle peat smoke, intriguingly reminiscent of heather burning in the distant glens. 

GlenDronach 19 Years Old Madeira Cask Finish:

In this new expression you immediately appreciate the transformative effect of the Madeira wood on the golden Highland spirit. The crisp sweetness of the hogsheads seeps gently into the rich whisky to add subtle fruity and spicy overtones – notably cinnamon, apple, citrus and pepper. 

On the nose, crisp apple and pear sweeten to apricot syrup and ripe gooseberry. Cinnamon-dusted tarte Tatin and notes of green apple skin balance with the clean, crisp warmth of stem ginger and candied peel on the palate.

GlenDronach Cask Strength Batch 5:

On the nose there is a perfect combination of sweet golden sultanas, rich ­fig syrup, ground almonds, orange bitters and a gentle dusting of black pepper.

On the palate, Demerara sugar-glazed dark fruits lighten to apricot syrup infused with stem ginger and vanilla. The combination of elegant sherry influences and robust Highland style creates a perfect example of the traditional GlenDronach character.

Search
  • Latest News
  • Latest Reviews