GlenDronach Boynsmill 16 Year

Another Glendronach, another treasure. This time a travel retail 16yo release. I am someone who truly believes that duty free expressions are almost always inferior to normal core range ones. This one is the exception to that rule, and my analysis to that fact, is that you ask a football legend to take on a penalty kick in a friendly match, he is still that legend, so, he is going to score. That is how Glendronach works, both travel exclusives, 10yo Forgue and 16yo Boynsmill, are still Glendronach beautiful spirit, therefore you can't miss. "Boynsmill", was the original name of the estate where Glendronach is located, and actually the famous "Glen House" of Glendronach was originally called Boynsmill house. This whisky is bottled at 46%abv, tawny color. It was triple matured, in PX and Oloroso casks from Andalucía In Spain; and, Port Wine casks from The Duoro Valley in Portugal. Very fancy stuff. On the nose, your classic Glendronach massive aroma. Starts with Godiva Chocolate, the most accurate and clean aroma of maraschino cherries; dark chocolate, prunes, hazelnut, Chocolate Powder, toblerone chocolate, vanilla dry cake, toffee and a citric grapefruit. Lovely. On the palate, it is immensely enjoyable. Red fruits, maraschino cherries, mild pleasant pepper; maple syrup. Some dim saltiness, hazelnuts and almonds. Aftertaste is very rewarding. Starts with dark chocolate, to then give you a puff of smoke that turns into a tobacco note. A little but very pleasant sulphur note; velvet. Overall, everything that Glendronach touches it turns into gold. This is an amazing whisky, and for $115, I truly believe you are getting more than what you paid for. My score for it is a solid 93 over 100. Nice whisky. I am happy.

Okay, I've given this brand a fair try. Peated Portwood - disjointed and disappointing, Glendronach Forgue 10 year - Average, not really whiskey, and now this attempt. I sadly wept into my glass realizing the Glendronach I cherish is gone. Yes, single casks will still be great, and perhaps original creations from the distillery that are replicated might be acceptable, but anything newly blended is a letdown. To be fair, it's a small sample, not a full bottle from duty-free, and the person I spoke with said others really enjoyed it, so perhaps I'm not giving it a fair assessment. It's not bad, but it's certainly not a 15 year Revival or an 18 year Allardice, etc. It's a pale imitation of the distillery's past masterpieces. Stop everything you're doing, working, feeding your kids, changing a flat tire, and rush out the door or go online immediately to stock up on the 18 and 21 year bottlings NOW. In a few years, you'll either thank me or regret not listening.

Smells of dried fruit, red berries, and old paper. It's like the musty feeling from the 18 year old, but 20% less so, with a slight floral touch. In the mouth, you chew cranberries and raisins while simultaneously getting nutty notes like walnuts. The mid-palate is great, with a harmonious and diverse blend of various casks. The aroma feels like a more sherry-bomb 18 year old. The finish is shorter than the 18, with a sharper spiciness.

Distinct sherry on the nose, in the mouth sweet, round, mild with a long fruity finish.

No particular characteristics beyond orange citrus.

Sherry, dark chocolate.