Style: Sherry and Spicy
Nose:
Starts with dark chocolate soufflé on fire, thick and spicy. Then it is followed by some cupboard-aged dried dates, pencil shavings and sour cream. Solid, sweet aroma of brown sugar sitting back supported and cushioned all of the dryness and spiciness.
Palate:
Bright spicy and sugary raisin notes dissolves to a lovely, consistent flow of syrupy grape juice. Sharp chilli spiciness, but there is a hint of black pepper as well. Dry timber joins in the middle to give another extra touch of dryness. Brushes of caramel with a blend of chocolate, red liquorice and coffee beans towards the end.
Finish:
Remaining notes of dried prunes and spiced chocolate. The red fruit infused malt is lighter, sweeter and fresher at the finish. Perhaps more space was given at the end for each element to breathe. Touches of subtle vanilla gives some creaminess and contribute to a rather long and sweet finish!
Thoughts:
Finally a Glendronach review! Unlike some of my whisky buddies, I am not the biggest fan of sherry bombs… But still, I agree that sherry cask is whisky’s best mate in terms of whisky maturation. This single cask is a great example: Delicate sweetness, complexity, exquisite texture are all wonderfully done. Although it is quite a spicy dram, the oak influence was exceptionally and played a big part here to enhance the complexity…extra dryness without disrupting the sherry, great composure. Good night cap.
☆ [Recommended]
[56.9% • 2014 Bottled • 18 Years Old • Original Bottling • Non Chill Filtered • Non Coloured • Limited Release • Cask Strength • Cask Number: 244 • Batch 12 • Bottle Number: 245 • 399 Bottles • Oloroso Sherry Butt Matured]
-Esmond
WhiskNick 