GlenDronach single casks are always fun to try, especially those that are bottled for specific shops. Those tend to be well selected, and with the 1995 GlenDronach casks, that’s a good thing, since as the distillery was nearing being mothballed, the casks were spottier. This one, however, is definitely not!
It is, however, a bit funny, as it was filled a mere three days before hitting 19 years of age, and I’m really curious as to the timing, not that it really makes a difference to anything but the label. I’ve just never seen such a proximity (I’ve seen a few weeks, but not three days).
On the other hand, we’re here for the liquid, so what difference does it really make, right?
GlenDronach 18 Year Old, 1995 Pedro Ximénez Puncheon 1732, Bottled for premiumcask.de, Batch 2, Distilled 1.5.1995, Bottled 28.4.2014 (54.6%)
Appearance: Bronze, sturdy necklace, thin legs and a lot of residue.
Nose: A fruity sherry with some dried and red fruit. Wood, wood spices and cigar smoke with citrus blooms and a hint of smokiness. Nutmeg appears with a touch of water as does some molasses.
Palate: Hot cinnamon, some tobacco and dried fruit. This has a lovely palate. Sweetness is replaced by some complex spices, and some stewed fresh fruit.
Linger: Spice and bittersweet chocolate, with a dryness all around the gullet and back of the mouth.
Conclusion
GlenDronach 1995s are a gamble. You’ll get some great ones and some mediocre ones. This one was an excellent choice. It’s not overly complex, but it delivers what you’d expect from a great sherry bomb!
Thank you Thorsten for the sample!
The reason is, that the whisky would not have become better within three more days in the cask, but the cask would have been much more expensive to buy… O:)
Very best regards from Germany,
Thorsten