Final yr’s GlenDronach Grandeur launch, Batch 11, was the oldest in its historical past at 28 years of age. Effectively, the distillery simply upped itself for the second yr working with Batch 12, a 29 yr previous whisky that’s matured completely in oloroso sherry casks.
With the extreme coffee-brown coloration and richness of taste, I might have sworn this was at the least partially aged in Pedro Ximenez casks, if not completely. Both approach, it’s obtained a basic sherry nostril all the identical, intensely nutty with overtones of espresso, wealthy and leathery with its enduring toasty, woody, vaguely floral qualities.
On the palate, the whisky is surprisingly mild and gentle, the entire above notes well-represented — and superbly built-in. There’s extra baking spice right here than anticipated, with ginger and cinnamon significantly distinguished. Then comes the darker fruit notes — dates, figs, raisins, plums, and even some baked apple. Candy (however not too candy) and enduring, these mingle with the spices to create a pleasant vacation really feel to the expertise. The abv of 49.2 feels nearly excellent, tempering any sense of warmth and leaving room for smoldering however elegant notes of darkish chocolate, Nutella, and low on the end.
A really high-quality whisky — however one which, by merely it within the glass, tastes precisely the way you count on it to. That’s not a foul factor.
98.4 proof.
A / $830 (700ml)
GlenDronach Grandeur Batch 12 29 Years Previous
$830
