GlenDronach Grandeur (Batch 11)

There comes a point in a whisky lover's journey when they encounter an open bottle of a single malt they've desired to try but couldn't justify the cost of a full bottle, haha. That was my experience with the magnificent Glendronach 28yo Grandeur. The distinctive decanter makes this "Glendro" quite captivating, and with a 28-year age statement, it's certainly worth seeking out. Bottled at 48.9% ABV, it displays a beautiful chestnut hue. The nose is breathtaking, offering an aroma that is truly unprecedented. It possesses an intense Oloroso sherry character with notes of lime, red fruits, and strawberry marmalade. The nose is magnificent, featuring cinnamon, cherry syrup, and hazelnut. It's so exceptional that my friends and I spent 20 minutes just appreciating the aroma before even tasting it. Floral notes are also present. This is a million-point nose, pure perfection. The palate is simply heavenly, with red fruitiness, red chili, and the most accurate strawberry note imaginable (even with the leaf included). Red wine, white chocolate, and almonds are discernible, all enveloped in a wine-like profile. The finish is amazing, though excessively oaky, with notes of sawdust and bitter chocolate. It's very good, but not quite as perfect as the palate and nose. It's not the first time I've detected an overly oaky note in older Glendronachs. Overall, this is superb. It's a legendary dram, boasting an impressive aroma and full of flavor. That said, I will deduct 2 points for the finish, but not for the overall balance, as that strong oaky note still feels appropriate for this elegant and rare dram. My score for this remarkable whisky is an honest 98 out of 100. Cheers!