GlenDronach Peated Port Wood (46%)

You’ll recall (or you can see here) that I was somewhat underwhelmed by GlenDronach’s peated offering. I recently had the chance to try the GlenDronach Peated Port Wood and the Glenglassaugh (ever wonder why that second G is not a capital letter?) Peated Port Wood Finish, and it’s definitely a step up from that expression, but does the Port finish save GlenDronach from its peated self here?

Photo Credit: peatedperfection.blogspot.com

Photo Credit: thewhiskyexchange.com

GlenDronach Peated Port Wood (46% ABV, NCF, NC)

Appearance: New copper with a reddish tone and thick legs.

Nose: Malt, not as floral and I expected and not as peated, either. The combination of the port and the peat is almost briny. Notes of play doh and citrus flowers.

Palate: Peat with a sour citrusy note and a floal hint at the back of the tongue.

Linger: Shortish and spicy with a bit of peat and a touch of lavender.

Conclusion

The casks used for the this expression and for the Glenglassaugh are the same casks, so this one really comes down to the spirit. I will say that this expression is better than the GlenDronach peated, for sure, but is it good enough to merit buying a bottle?

To me, the answer is no, but it’s a “no, not yet” as opposed to the flat-out no I gave the Peated. GlenDronach finishes really worked well with whisky in it’s teen, if you’ll recall the outstanding Sauternes (yes, there was also a 12, so not quite a teen), Virgin oak, Tawny port, and Moscatel. I’d be curious to see this finish on peated spirit that’s around those ages, because now I do actually see the potential, which I frankly didn’t see with the Peated.