Category Archives: GlenDronach
The GlenDronach 18yo Allardice
Whisky: The GlenDronach 18yo Allardice, 46%
£50 ≈ R550
Named after the distillery’s founder, James Allardyce, this 18yo has been matured exclusively in ex-Oloroso sherry casks and bottled at 46%, just like its younger brother.
Nose: Deep, dark, complex, sherry influence here. Rich and moist, overripe red grapes, stewed plums, and a fresh batch of toffee. Oh and some butter.
Taste: Slow to start, but then drying begins on the centre of the tongue. Spice builds up, including cinnamon and some pepper. Rich and full bodied. Woody with just a tangible hint of peat smoke.
Finish: More wood along with spice here, the cinnamon and pepper again, but now cloves as well. Cocoa-where’ve you been? Long and drying.
My Score: 81
This is a complex whisky with lots going on, a drop of water helps to tame it and bring the flavours under control. Unlike some whisky drinkers I’m not mad about exclusive sherry cask influence, but this is well made and calls for another pour. I think its younger brother, the 15yo Revival is just slightly better, which also then makes it better value for money.
The GlenDronach 15yo Revival
Whisky: The GlenDronach 15yo Revival, 46%
± £40 ≈ R460
Matured exclusively in ex-Olorroso casks, and the colour shows. This is apparently the culmination of nearly a year’s hard work by the distillery’s new owners, who have done such a great job at Benriach. Named “revival” as there was a previous 15yo a few years back.
Nose: Loads of sherry and rich ripe fruits, prunes and figs. A subtle sweetness and a little bit of meatiness. Big and powerful; nose with caution.
Taste: Slightly more tamed than the nose, but still full-bodied, spicy and rich. Hints of leather. Lots of tannins, very drying.
Finish: Spice intensifies, lots of pepper, and then a light sweetness cuts through. Medium, but hot all the way.
My Score: 82
I hardly ever advocate adding water to a whisky, but this has so much flavour and richness, it begs for a drop or two. If this was bottled at cask strength it would be a sherry bomb comparable to Aberlour’s A’bunadh and Glenfarclas’ 105. If you’re a fan of heavily sherried whiskies, this one’s for you.
