GlenDronach Traditionally Peated

Perhaps the pinnacle of Glendronach, not an absolute showstopper but such a fantastic value for a whisky at one of the most accessible prices currently available, making it impossible to resist. A masterclass in sherry cask maturation. The blend of Oloroso and Pedro Ximenez demonstrates that the Dronach name still signifies quality. The sherry barrels counterbalance a light peat on the finish of the maturation process, truly integrating with the subtle chocolate notes from the Port Cask finish to transform what could have been an overly sweet whisky into a more balanced and complex dram. After attending a masterclass with Master Blender, Rachel Barrie, one can truly see the influence of the other three distilleries under her purview shining through in this Single Malt. The peat is applied traditionally at the end of the malting process, honoring historical whisky-making methods. I can even detect subtle notes of vanilla and pine alongside the peat, as the peat is sourced from the Caledonia Forest beds. Glendronach has consistently been a leader in utilizing Sherry Barrels, and the peating techniques implemented in the last five years at Benriach are proving beneficial here, contributing to a brand now well-regarded for its subtly peated, orchard-fruit-forward Speysides. Furthermore, the experimental aging techniques observed at Glenglassaugh indicate Dr. Barrie's creative genius, and the double sherry and port finish here leaves no doubt about her willingness to innovate. I will refrain from extensive tasting notes, as regardless of whether one prefers sherried or smoky whisky, this bottle deserves appreciation purely for its craftsmanship alone. Nose: Smoke, Candied Orange, Sherry Palate: Dried Fruits, Smoke, Peat, Chocolate, Xmas Spice Finish: Cream, Earthy, lingering sugar granule 4.75/5

Nose: A pleasant, subtle peat with equally balanced fruitiness. Also marzipan, nutty chocolate, followed by fresh coffee and more dark chocolate and soft dates. Palate: Extremely sweet with a gentle peat, very smooth, and while still very flavorful, it's on the lighter side of intensity (but not weak at all - just gentle). It also has some very nice oak cask character. This is a very round and well-integrated whisky. It's one of those rare whiskies that improve with every sip. There's very little this one doesn't offer. I really like it, especially because of the mild peat note. I don't think they usually make peated whiskies, but they really should – it pairs wonderfully with their base character.

A Scotch offering enjoyed during a pub gathering. This dram was absolutely wonderful. The aroma delivered as expected and did nothing to prepare you for the palate, which was a complete surprise. Adding water mellowed the palate and enhanced it, making me very glad for the opportunity to have a taste! Nose: Smoldering orange smoke from a newly lit fire, toffee, charred apples, honey, baked apples. Palate: Earthy, deep smoke, orange and cloves. Finish: Long, with minty eucalyptus.

Quite pleasant. The aroma was very straightforward and reminiscent of heavily peated whiskies, but on the younger side. Perhaps some oak was present, but the sherry influence only appeared in the finish, imparting a great sweetness. A good value from Glendronach, but I generally avoid most of their range since their acquisition by Brown-Forman, who now chill-filter Glendronach products.

A nice peaty smell upon opening the bottle, which unfortunately faded quickly. Slightly smoky, but not much more. Pleasant oaky tastes though, with red fruits. Well rounded and full-bodied. I would have preferred a bit more peat, but it's a good dram nonetheless!

Toffee, a subdued and earthy peat, black pepper, mild fruitiness, a touch of salt. Unexpected but satisfying.