GlenDronach Tawny Port Finish 15 Year

This Highland malt, the third sample from a trade group, is 46% ABV and unfiltered. It displays a bright copper hue and produces long legs when swirled. The aroma is exceptionally complex, featuring honey, fresh oak, red berries, and a scent reminiscent of Pop Tarts straight from the toaster. The fragrance evokes childhood memories. However, the palate does not match the nose's promise. A strong fresh-cut oak note overshadows the port cask influence. Concentrating, one can detect toffee and red berries, but the underlying GlenDronach spice quickly dominates. The finish presents a familiar peppery spice, characteristic of GlenDronach whiskies. It's a lengthy, warming finish that might surprise some but is enjoyable and inviting. Despite the limited port flavor, I desire more. This bottle is nearly empty, and I will miss it. Locate this for me so I can purchase it all; I'm hooked. 4.75 stars. Cheers, and please inform me of its availability. I'm craving it!

The thirteenth stop on the SDT journey is Glendronach. This Highland single malt is aged in European oak and then finished in tawny port casks. It has a 46% ABV and is non-chill filtered, with a natural copper orange color. The only other Glendronach I've experienced was the Cask Strength, which was quite intense. Let's see how a port finish fares with this distillery. The aroma begins sweet, but I can sense an underlying power and spice that will likely carry through to the palate. Predominant notes are red berries, including light strawberry and dried cranberries, along with dates, raisins, and brown sugar. There are also red grape and port wine characteristics, abundant vanilla, and some custard. Wet oak is present in the background, along with blood oranges and cherry cordials. A syrupy sweetness emerges as the glass empties. The nose is truly impressive, similar to other port-finished drams but distinct enough to stand out. The palate is sweeter and less spicy than anticipated, yet it delivers ample strength and full flavor. Vanilla, red berries, and cherries are prominent, complemented by light oak, cinnamon, and even some nutmeg. A brief note reminiscent of Ludens or Sucrets throat lozenges appeared but quickly faded; it was unexpected but not unpleasant. A subtle hint of slightly bitter chocolate concludes the experience. A medium-bodied mouthfeel, slightly spicy and dry. The finish is long and predominantly dry, with a semi-sweet profile featuring light oak, cherries, and vanilla. I must admit, after tasting the Cask Strength, I was somewhat apprehensive about this review. That expression significantly challenged my senses. The moment I first brought this to my nose, I felt a sense of calm returning. It's a full-flavored, deep-bodied spirit with enough complexity to keep you engaged for an extended period. Another outstanding example of a port-finished scotch. My thanks for the sample, Lee. Rating: 4.25

I obtained a special Glendronach, not the usual 15yo core range offering (which is excellent), but a different one finished in Tawny Port. Like most Glendronach expressions, anything from this distillery matured in fortified wine casks is superb. The character of this distillery is exceptionally suited for ex-Sherry or ex-Port barrels. Bottled at 46% ABV, it displays a gorgeous deep copper hue. The initial maturation before the Tawny Port cask was in European oak. On the nose, it's divine. It starts with a lovely maraschino cherry scent, then reveals a very clean crème brûlée aroma, along with cotton and glazed ham. After the first taste, the aroma shifts to a more wine-like, grapey profile, then bubblegum, and finally a chocolate explosion. It's simply beautiful. On the palate, it's flawless. Salty yet sophisticated toffee, red fruits, maple syrup, and cherries. A deep tobacco note and a citric prune flavor are present. Magnificent. The finish continues the excellence. Cherries, sherry, red wine, vanilla, figs, and oak spice. An amazing chocolate finish is here for your enjoyment. Overall, I adore Glendronach, whisky, single malts, and how this distillery continues to impress me. I've deducted a few points because it feels very close to perfection but could still be better. My rating is 98 out of 100.

I've always disliked subjects less than English, and foreign language was one of them. After a decade of French, I felt let down realizing in college that they withheld all the best parts: Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, and the French tickler. Entering the business world was equally startling upon understanding that income depended on sheer luck and the ability to string words together. A blend of Shakespeare and Ecclesiastes captures it best: “Some rise by sin, and some by virtue fall; for time and chance happens to them all." So, here I am, happily retired after a career of wordy toil, still aiming to please my patrons. Today's endeavor is GlenDronach 15 Tawny Port. I've been searching for this bottle since reading a friend say they would pay a fortune for the elusive offering. Well, I'm here to confirm that said whisky is in my possession and ready for shipment. I could eloquently praise this expression and its magnificence, but I'd rather simply refer you to Lee's 5-star review for all the essential details. The nose and dry port finish on this one are spectacular, and I'd rate it 4.75 stars.

A dreary, wet Memorial Day finds me unwinding; reading and watching "Band of Brothers" back-to-back, while reflecting on this significant day (appreciative of those who have served or are currently serving and made sacrifices for this great nation). A robust raspberry jam aroma greets you immediately, accompanied by an assortment of fruits and spices. Dates, cranberry, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla pudding, and light brown sugar. It's reminiscent of a Thanksgiving dessert spread. Once you've finished appreciating the abundant nose, you anticipate a thick, rich liquid, but it is surprisingly delicate, though sweet and spicy, harmonizing with the nose, but not as profound or expansive. Black pepper, oak, vanilla, toasted coconut, and milk chocolate (similar to Somoas). This whisky's finish mirrors the palate, leaving lingering notes of orange peel and milk chocolate. A hint of black pepper is the final sensation, which is warming. A pleasant, fruity nose that delivers a gentle, sweet palate. A smooth sipper that, in my opinion, would pair well after a hearty meal. Sweet, but not excessively. Spicy, but not excessively. [Dry Glass: Vanilla-honey]][88/100][Tasted: 5/29/17]

My initial impression upon pouring was a rose-wine hue. The primary color is orange/copper. Full-bodied with a silky texture. Aroma: plums, raisins, semi-sweet chocolate, and toasted nuts. A subtle hint of honey. Taste: Fruit cake and vanilla cream are joined by figs, dates, and raisins. Some plum and strawberry notes also emerge over time. Mild citrus acidity brightens the mid-palate. The extended finish is fruity, decadent, and warming, leaving behind bright orange & grapefruit citrus notes along with honey, and more of the fruit/vanilla cake flavors from the beginning. The aftertaste tingles the senses with delightful fruity sweetness. What a whisky! The sherry bomb that is the Glendronach 12 is outstanding, but this is on another level. This is dessert in a glass.