GlenDronach Cask Strength Batch 7

The 7th release in GlenDronach's Cask Strength series, still featuring its PX and Oloroso cask influence. This batch didn't reach the SAQ here in Quebec but was available (I grabbed the last bottle) at the LCBO in Ontario. Indeed, SAQ staff told me no orders were planned for this product. As a growing fan of the distillery, I didn't hesitate to drive to the Hawkesbury LCBO for the last bottle. Unfortunately, I haven't tasted previous batches, so I can't compare them. Nose: Ginger, cinnamon, strawberry, and vanilla. Palate: Spices and red fruits, brown sugar, and hazelnuts. Finish: A long, smooth finish with Sherry and spice notes. Overall: I expected nothing less from a GlenDronach. Intense and rich flavor, great texture, smooth despite the high ABV. This lovely warmth from the spices is amazing! If you enjoy GlenDronach or Sherry in general, you'll find yourself at home. The aroma profile isn't groundbreaking but its aromatic intensity compensates for that lack (if it is one). In short, I'm not the most impartial when it comes to GlenDronach, but this one is truly very pleasant to drink. It's the kind of bottle that will come down from the shelf often! 91%

This marks the seventh release of this bottling; observing the reviews of prior batches suggests a gradual decline in quality. Without the ability to compare, I'll make a note of this, hoping to experience the others someday. An elegant, dark amber hue, or deep gold if you prefer, graces the glass upon pouring: it has an oily and appealing appearance. The aroma undeniably reveals the significant impact of ex-Sherry casks (Pedro Ximénez is dominant), alongside vanilla, caramel, and raisins. The scents are warm, comforting, and buttery, with a hint of citrus. The alcohol is present but not perceived. On the palate, there's a slight alcoholic bite, but the sweetness of ripe fruit quickly compensates, with citrus still present alongside figs and peaches, evoking a summery scent like being near fruit trees in July. A touch of spice (nutmeg), cream cake, and butter biscuits. It's smoother than the aroma, comforting and luxurious, sweet without being overwhelming, thanks in part to the proof balancing the sherry's intensity. The finish features raisins and vanilla, accompanied by a subtle woody note and a general sense of warmth.

This was a gift, nearly a full bottle from someone who detested it. They dislike Macallan, know I like Macallan (but not love it), and claim this is comparable. I approached this with hesitation, given its definitive negative reception. Nose: Abundant raisin with oak, sherry funk, honey, milk chocolate, and toffee. A very complex and significant aroma. Surprisingly little ethanol bite, especially for a spirit over 115 proof. Flavor: Incredible! It's like trail mix in your mouth: raisins first, then boiled peanuts, followed by milk chocolate and toffee. Amazing! Finish: Slightly spicy with moderately drying oak. A rather long finish that is somehow sweet and full of raisin, tapering into barrel char and honey. This is absolutely exceptional. It's now my top choice for sherry-finished malt whiskey. Incredibly complex and delightful. I strongly endorse it.

Curious how I've consumed this numerous times, even compared it directly with others, and the bottle level is still above the fill line after this pour. Clearly, I've been conservative with my servings. Nose - Notes of dark berries, some musty oak, young spirit, and alcohol. A touch of chocolate emerges at the end. Taste - Fruity, oakey, youthful. Adding water yields a lighter version of the same profile. I struggle to find anything positive to say about this. It's adequate, aside from some youthful characteristics. The sherry flavor is quite good, but it tastes young. Regrettably, for over $100, this is not just a miss but a significant one. Bonus points for seemingly quality sherry casks and cask strength, but I still feel this is a one-star whisky.

A complex mix of fruits, with hidden cherry and red fruit notes, but citrus dominates. Not smoky at all. Palate: surprisingly intense Sherry Cask flavors. Powerful but not sharp. Blackberries. Adding water reveals nutty notes. A finish of grapes. Vanilla notes also become apparent on the nose with water. A peppery finish, though not the dominant flavor in the mouth, with tannins.

Quite strange. Now that the bottle is half empty and has been open for 6 months, I'm detecting a strong alcohol burn reminiscent of a young whisky, and I've significantly lowered my score. My palate has completely changed!