glendronach 1975

Glendronach 1975 vintage Glendronach 1975, 34 Years Old 43% ABV Ian MacLeod's Selection Nose: Rich cognac notes emerged, surprising me, and upon a second look, they had transformed into rich sherry. The sherry is so intense, I'd audaciously give it an 8.5 out of 10, as the sherry aroma initially masked other complex notes. Today's sherry is different. It's fresh, soft, not flashy, and honest. Cocoa powder, figs, dried plums, peaches, fresh and cold, juicy apples, oranges - the fruits I imagine are all present, making it seem simple yet complex upon reflection. Very faint metallic notes and fragrant flowers are noticeable within the alcohol. It's a classic old sherry profile, yet thinking back, these aromas are hard to find in spirits released nowadays. It reminds me of the calm and cold-blooded assassin character played by a certain actor in the movie "The Man from the Equator." He seems simple on the outside but is quite complex inside. Palate: Surprisingly, it starts with the taste of old floorboards or oak barrels, a musty and bitter flavor. Even after swirling for 5-10 seconds, the bitterness remains the focus. It's odd and unfamiliar that the taste of the significant sherry notes differs so much from the aroma. The texture is light, and there's a lack of a strong developing flavor, making me go 'hmm!' Still, it's too early to be disappointed... Finish: The taste of tobacco ash or crumbled oak barrel remains. It's predominantly tart and bitter, and since the finish doesn't carry the flavor, it's quite anticlimactic. Even with such a long aging period, it's unlikely to pass for someone who prefers sweet tastes!! Overall Impression: * Anticlimactic ending. * Just because it's old doesn't mean it's automatically delicious. * All stats were put into the aroma for this Lv. 34 warrior.