Glendronach 12 Year Old Original

Here’s a review of something that is probably readily available. In Ontario it will set you back $80, so you get 50 cc and 2 years more than with the Benromach 10.

Over the past 2-3 year I’ve gained an appreciation for some lower proof whiskies. It started with some of the Canadian offerings, but then I tasted a few sherry cask matured whiskies at 43%, and I noticed they were enjoyable. I still really enjoy cask strength bruisers, but it’s nice to know that a well-made lower proof expression can satisfy.

My experience with Glendronach thus far is tasting the 15 and the 18 (I preferred the 15), one or 2 CS releases, and 2 single casks in their late teens (one of which was really good and my bottle of it will be opened when I retire from Medicine - it was distilled a month after I started Medical school).

This sample is courtesy of @OdysseusUnbound, and comes from a bottle he opened in April 2018, and poured for me on August 23, 2018, when it was 2/3 full. I opened the sample 2 nights ago and tried a 20 cc pour, and was impressed, and I promised him I would try to get the review done soon so here it goes. According to the LCBO website it is matured in PX sherry casks.

This expression, reviewed in a Highland whisky glass, is reviewed in my usual manner, allowing it to settle after which I take my nosing and tasting notes, followed by the addition of a few drops of water, waiting, then nosing and tasting.

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Nose: 22/25

Clearly sherry-matured. I get sweet red wine (like the ones we all remember from Passover Seders or the קדוש following Saturday morning services). I get prunes, some baking spices. Something vegetal there, but I can’t pick out any sulphur (that’s a good thing). Something umami, like roasting beef (in the oven with that seared salty, horseradish/garlic crust). Maybe a hint of mint? Water brings out the vegetal note more, makes it less sweet and more savoury. (22.5/25)

Taste: 22/25

Sweet, with a little alcohol nip on entry. You can taste the sherry influence, a little pepper on the development. Water tones down the sweetness a little, makes the development a bit dryer. (22.5/25)

Finish: 21/25

Peppery, moderately astringent, sweet, fairly long.

Balance: 21/25

The sweetness is just a little too much (and I like sweet things), and I find the sherry influence seems to overwhelm everything else. Still, a tasty dram.

Score: Neat - 86/100 With Water: 87/100

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This is a solid whisky. I’ve heard there can be some batch variation, however. If I had more room in my cabinet I would definitely consider picking up one of these. It would be a great one to alternate having open with Benromach 10 and Macallan 12.

Thanks again @Odysseusunbound for letting me try this!

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