GlenDronach Peated

My bottle of GlenDronach Peated seemed unsure of itself. Initially, I detected a typical, spicy Dronach that was quite pleasant, but it lacked significant peat. After about three weeks and finishing the last eighth of the bottle, a strong wave of smoky character and earthy peat arrived. Visually, this spirit was a lovely, clear gold in the Glencairn. Big, thin streaks ran down the glass, leaving undefined, quick trails after swirling. The first sniff offered black pepper, sherry, and a burn from the high alcohol content. It lacked depth until some air allowed the heat to fade, revealing earthy, mushroom, and damp bog aromas mixed with remnants of a dying campfire for the final third of the bottle (about 3-4 weeks later). The initial taste was surprisingly peppery and lively, presenting classic GlenDronach spice and bright oak notes. Sherry sweetness helped temper the heat, especially later on when the peated whisky became more apparent. The texture shifted from sharp and zesty to smooth and rich as time and air mellowed it. I appreciated both phases of this drink as I consumed the bottle, though I leaned more towards the earlier flavors than the later peat intensity. Since this is advertised as a peated non-age statement, I feel compelled to deduct some points. The conclusion was moderately long, initially leaving a sweet sensation. However, once the peat emerged, it imparted a distinct, farm-like aroma that slightly lowered my score. In my opinion, other Highland malts have executed peat more effectively. In summary, it was like experiencing two different whiskies. The first part, rich with spice and sherry, was still excellent despite the spirit's youth. I would rate that section a 3.5 to 3.75, but it diminished somewhat when the peated character took over, earning a 3 to 3.25. The cost was $56, which is standard to high for a NAS, leading me to a final score of 3.5. Consider purchasing if you're a devoted GlenDronach fan; otherwise, skip it if you prefer your peated Highland malts with more definition. Enjoy.

This was one of two whiskies sampled at a bar in New Orleans, following an extensive afternoon of bar hopping. It's always interesting when Speyside distilleries experiment with peated single malts, as their expertise typically lies in rich sherry-infused spirits. There's a dynamic between Islay and Speyside distilleries in the sweet-and-peat category—can the Islay peat specialists refine their robust single malts with sherry and wine casks, or can the Speyside masters add smoky, rugged qualities to their fruity scotches? Some well-known Speysiders, like Macallan or Aberlour, generally don't pursue this path, preferring to stick to their strengths. However, GlenDronach has taken on the challenge of competing with excellent Islay sweet-and-peat scotches, such as Laphroaig PX Cask or Ardbeg Uigeadail, and has achieved remarkable success. Highland peat differs from Islay peat, offering more floral, musky, and leathery aromas rather than intense, brooding smoke. This milder peat harmonizes beautifully with the sherry sweetness. While the initial taste is predominantly sweet fruit with a persistent orange citrus note, the dram evolves into something quite similar to Laphroaig PX or Lagavulin Distiller's Edition over time. Compared to top Islay expressions, GlenDronach's flavors are more seamlessly integrated and less demanding. It's a harmonious blend of complementary flavors rather than a fierce competition. The finish leaves lingering notes of mint and espresso. Although it lacks an age statement, the taste suggests it is not a young whisky. Well done, GlenDronach.

Nose: Sweet sherry and berry scents are tightly interwoven with a mild, reserved peat smoke that permeates the aroma without being overpowering. Subtle honey and fruit notes emerge in the background, along with a hint of vanilla marshmallow. Palate: The initial taste is smokier and noticeably sweeter than the nose suggests. Malty and gently smoked qualities become prominent as it evolves, but it's not an aggressive peat bomb. The mouthfeel is pleasingly smooth, featuring light fruit flavors and a very faint hint of salt. Finish: Medium to short. It concludes with fruity and mild smoky notes, a gentle salty tang, and a surprising chocolate fudge essence at the very end. The aroma is very gentle and mellow, quite balanced, yet still evocative. Its lack of overwhelming peat doesn't mean it's weak; in reality, it might resemble the character of many Speyside whiskies from 150 years ago when smoky profiles were common. The palate presents more upfront smoke, specifically the campfire type of peat smoke found in mainland whiskies, with no medicinal or iodine traces. The PX casks are used expertly, adding a touch of sweet spice without dominating. If Laphroaig 10 is akin to Jackson Pollock's Autumn Rhythm No. 30, this is comparable to one of Jean-Jacque Hennier's Red Haired Beauties. Charming and alluring – I haven't encountered a disappointing GlenDronach yet. While the current trend favors intensely peated spirits, overlooking the more nuanced ones could be a mistake. Sampled from a 30ml pour. "Good": 83/100 (3.5 stars)

The aroma presents citrus, a unique earthy peat, watermelon, a wooden shed, a hint of youthfulness, vanilla, caramel, powdered sugar, rubber, dark chocolate-covered raisins, and fresh mint. The palate is slightly bitter with stronger earthy peat, vegetal notes (perhaps pumpkin?), sherry sweetness, and black pepper. The finish, lasting about 3/5, offers chocolate malt, peated stout, later some cherry tobacco, and dark chocolate from the sherry. Overall, it's a bit hard to fully analyze as it's not exceptionally complex but feels very cohesive. The nose is undeniably peaty and earthy, with the peat well-integrated and somewhat unusual alongside the mixed fruit and citrus. The peat is more prominent on the palate, providing a pleasant warmth with fresh vegetal notes and vanilla. The finish is of medium length, not particularly oily, but the peated malt character persists like in a chocolatey peated stout, with some sherry influence appearing as tobacco and chocolate-covered raisins. It's an old-school style, well-rounded yet young malt with a bit of everything. Not overly complex or distinctive, but I could finish a bottle to observe its evolution. In comparison to Glendronach 12, there's little in common apart from the classic vibe. With Kilkerran 12, I found similarities (unusual integrated peat and mixed fruits), but the Kilkerran 12 is richer, far more complex, and significantly more engaging. Ardnamurchan AD/07.21:05 is entirely different, a modern malt with perfumed, spirit-forward notes. Lovely, though.

I sampled this outstanding spirit at the distillery, which certainly enhanced the experience, so please excuse my enthusiasm. Glendronach is a personal favorite, and I have a fondness for peat, so my expectations were high. My hopes were tempered by skepticism, as I had a previous experience with a Glendronach peated port wood that didn't meet my expectations. However, this one lives up to the hype. Bottled at 46% ABV, it embodies everything Glendronach represents, with added peat. On the nose: Peat, prunes, figs, ashes, vanilla; a robust malted barley note, heather, and cocoa butter. Quite appealing, in my opinion. On the palate, it's light but even better than the nose. A puff of smoke, pepper, chocolate milk, toffee, and dulce de leche. The aftertaste is a bit short, actually medium-short, offering a tobacco and toffee note. Overall, this is a very pleasant dram, complex enough yet easy to drink, with sufficient peat to satisfy enthusiasts without being overpowering. A score of 92 out of 100. Glendronach excels again.

PEATED WHISKY NOTES Appearance: A vibrant golden hue. Nose: A pleasing scent of ripe gooseberries coated in cinnamon sugar, balanced by a sharp citrus note. The gentle peated influence imparts a smoky, charred wood character with freshly ground barley and hints of vanilla toffee. Palate: Lively oak spices and floral heather honey evolve into rosehips and barley sugars, all warmed by a touch of white pepper. Subtle peat notes enhance the palate, offering a delicate depth and a dry quality reminiscent of glowing campfire embers. Finish: A distinctive blend of crisp fruit and barley-rich Highland characteristics, enveloped by a soft peat smoke, intriguingly evoking the scent of heather burning in distant valleys. A MASTER DISTILLER's notes