Glendronach The Hielan A New 8 Year Old Scotch Whisky

The GlenDronach distillery out of Scotland is one we normally know for releasing much older whisky that ranges into very high price categories. They do produce some relatively younger bottlings, however, and their most recent looks aimed at entry level Scotch drinkers as an eight year old expression.

The new GlenDronach The Hielan, according to the distillery, was matured and married in a combination of ex-bourbon and ex-sherry casks after having been chosen by master blender Billy Walker. The name of this whisky is said to be “a heartfelt tip of the hat to the Forgue Distillery, the spiritual Highland home of GlenDronach, founded in 1826 by the inventor, pioneer and entrepreneur James Allardice.”

Bottled at 46% ABV and pricing around £34 ($55 USD approximately), Hielan should start popping up globally this month. Official tasting notes for this amber colored Scotch are below, courtesy of GlenDronach.

Nose: Rounded waves of orange blossom and a citrus twist flow over buttery, golden sultanas, sundried raisins and ripe yellow plums, all dusted with a touch of vanilla.

Palate: Crisp, vibrant oak spices warm soaked sultanas, apricot jam and gingerbread; all rounded by delicate hints of butterscotch, cocoa and toasted almonds.

Finish: Classic sherry overtones with a contrasting crisp dimension demonstrate the complexity of the traditional Highland character.