GlenDronach 1990 27 Year Sherry Butt Single Cask #2257

I've managed to acquire another exceptional Glendronach, this time a vintage Single Cask aged for 27 years (plus the standard 6 years for Glendronach), matured exclusively in a Pedro Ximenez Puncheon. It's bottled at 50.9% ABV, with bottle #397 of 641 from barrel #1014. As someone with a sweet preference, anything aged in a Pedro Ximenez cask immediately captures my interest. Let's delve into the tasting notes: Once again, my dear Glendronach friend, the aroma is perfect. Dates, figs, blackberries, raisins (perfectly clean notes), dried fruits – you get the picture. There's a glazed pork and BBQ sauce aroma, simply incredible (could I dip a chicken nugget in it?). Maraschino cherries and chocolate milk powder are present, along with sherry. Thick caramel and plums follow, transforming into a wonderful maple syrup note after the first sip. Notes of Hanuta snack (hazelnut), milk chocolate... and... a Bloody Mary cocktail? The palate is excellent. It begins intensely sweet with a maraschino cherry flavor, accompanied by abundant red fruits and pepper. Blackberries and a strong astringency are noticeable, along with thick caramel. The finish provides a fitting conclusion to a remarkable whisky. Smoke, red fruits, and tobacco notes are present, with a distinct minerality. A long-lasting ginger sensation lingers indefinitely. Overall, this is a truly great whisky, embodying what a Glendronach should be. It may lack the typical dark chocolate, but it compensates with a generous amount of red fruits. A superb expression, earning a 98 out of 100 from me. Sláinte Mhath!!!

Nose: It smells like I'm hovering over a huge container of dried grapes and citrus fruit. Palate: Whoops, I've plunged in. These dried grapes and citrus fruit have a decadent taste, yet they're drier than they are sweet. Finish: Confectionery made from melted chocolate covered in orange peel. It lingers beautifully. I'm sinking, but it's a pleasant demise. This was one of two unique barrels tasted at a recent BenRiach/GlenDronach event. It cost $1,200, making it one of the priciest spirits I've had. If you're hesitant about dropping that much cash on alcohol, remember this bottle will go further than usual due to its intense flavor. A tiny bit, just half an ounce, will offer plenty of character for hours. At its advanced age, the taste is heavily influenced by the sherry barrel, which isn't my top choice, but it would be petty to criticize. Interestingly, most people there liked the other single cask, a 24-year-old for $750, more than this one.

In the past, I've always ended up a taste of any brand with an apology. This time, at my great trepidation and sorrow, I'll do the same. Sorry folks, I guess I am just not a brand fan. There's simply too much spice on those drams and age is not something that helps it.

From Cask 7902, this sample from The Whisky Exchange is a delightful dessert spirit. It offers flavors of raisins, dates, figs, toffee, tropical fruit, holiday spices, vanilla, and chocolate.

Dried fruit and winter spice are prominent. A small amount of water lessens its intensity.

The year is 1998.