GlenDronach 20 Year Old 1990 PX Sherry Puncheon

GlenDronach launched 6 new single casks in august 2001, ranging from 17 to 40 year old, all on sherry casks. This 20 Year Old PX sherry puncheon, number 1032, was filled on 29th August 1990 and yielded 728 bottles at 54,1%. I’m trying it H2H with the 21 Year Old cask 2917 (see previous note).

The nose is comparable with the 21 Year Old from 1989, but a lot more creamy and sweet, with fresh fruits. Obviously raisins and dades are present, but I also get some red and black cherries. Wonderfully sweet without the bitterness of the balsamico. A touch of espresso and grandpa’s leather arm chair. Great stuff.

The attack is sweet and fruity, but not as powerful as the 1989 (there is a significant difference in alcohol content). But that is not a bad thing. At all. Almonds, berries, dark honey, prunes (both fresh and dried), tobacco. Soft spices. And the wood hardly speaks. No bitter edge here. At this age, that more than a little surprising.

It wouldn’t have killed me if the finish was a little longer. It remains utterly sweet.

While distilled less than a year later than the 1989 and also matured on a Pedro Ximenez sherry puncheon, there is quite a difference. It shows once again – as if that was still necessary – that the cask has a tremendous influence on the spirit.

Find where to buy GlenDronach whisky