This single cask was is one of the biggest surprise I’ve had with the single casks by GlenDronach.
Photo Credit: Akela NDE on nds.wikipedia.org
This is one of the first whiskies distilled after the stills were turned back on, almost two months prior. If you read the review on the 18 year old (published here), you’ll notice that there was a distinct smoky note in that, and other older GlenDronachs. That note is not present in the post mothballing whisky, which was done in stills that were no longer direct fired, but now had steam heating coils installed.
When you get hold of a sample of pre 1996 and post 2002 single cask whisky from GlenDronach and sample them together, this will be very noticeable. And now, on to the tasting notes:
Photo Credit: auction.catawiki.com
GlenDronach 2003, 11 Year Old, Pedro Ximénez Sherry Puncheon 2034, Distilled 12.7.2092, Bottled November 2013, Bottled for De Wijnproevers, 724 Bottles (53.7% ABV, NCF, NC)
Appearance: Mahogany, leaves a lot of residue on the glass.
Nose: Noticeably young with a big sherry nose, dried dates, dark berries, sweetened cream, cinnamon and demerara sugar.
Palate: Dried fruit, very full mouth delivering a deep sweetness, almost liquid brown sugar, malt, light dryness with notes of pepper and clove.
Linger: Long sweetness, light spice, chocolate and a deep lingering dryness.
Conclusion
WOW, I wasn’t ready for this one. This was one of the most rewarding single casks I got to enjoy. The young age here is actually one of the stronger features of this outstanding dram. The new batch features some younger whiskies (2002, 2003 and 2004) and if they’re anything like this one, I should really get my hands on one of them……
This was another of the drams at the Mishmar Ha’Emeq whisky night!