This superb richly sherried single malt is matured for at least 12 years in a combination of the finest Spanish Pedro Ximénez and Oloroso sherry casks. Natural colour and bottled at 43%, The GlenDronach 12 year old is a sweet, creamy dram.
43% ABV
Tasting Notes
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APPEARANCE
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Deep amber-red gold.
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NOSE
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Sweet, creamy vanilla, with hints of ginger. Spice mulled wine and pear.
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PALATE
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Rich, creamy silky-smooth. Warm, rich oak and sherry sweetness, full mouth feel, raisins and soft fruits. Spicy with medium length and a dry finish.
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CONCLUSION
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Long, full and firm, slightly nutty.
Review 49 - 11th June 2020
We look at the 12 year old GlenDronach Single Malt.
It is bottled at 43% ABV, natural colour and non chill filtered and with an average retailed price of £42.20, it all goes towards a value score of 93.48/100.
The GlenDronach 12 Year Old has been matured in Pedro Ximenez and Olorosso Sherry Casks, at this point, we have to say the Brown-Forman owned brand, has to be commended for not chill filtering a 43% ABV whisky, as a rule this is unheard of in scotch whisky from a big player.
On the nose, its sweet and there is an alcohol presence. It is a subtle sherry nose, spicy and fruit, maybe cherry. But the nose isn't popping sherry as we would expect, its quite calm. Maybe it needs time to breathe in the glass.
On the palate, it is how we anticipated it should be. Rich, smooth and creamy with cherry, raisins and cinnamon spice, which continues to the finish, that suprisingly isn't too bitter with its oaky drying end. As a comparision, this is different to the Glenfarclas 12 year old, both are enjoyable sippers and both are sherry matured, we haven't reviewed the Farclas yet, but from memory, the Glendronach just edges out the Glenfarclas for taste. Adding water brings out the bitterness and more oak, then vanilla appears, water is not necessary, we find the GlenDronach doesn't benefit from it.
It is a lovely dram, it fits squarely into the enjoyable everyday sipper category. It is also one which could be enjoyed on a cold and festive winter evening. As an overall score it deserves 86 out of 100, if found below £40 then it could gain a point or two.
Recommended if you like Sherry Matured Whisky.