GlenDronach 18 Year Old 1993 Oloroso Sherry Butt 1

GlenDronach just presented its new batch of single casks, which were fine drams each. They made me look in my sample cabinet and lo and behold, I have two samples from 2011 releases. Oloroso Sherry Butt #1 and Oloroso Sherry Butt #2406. Let us do a quick head-to-head, starting below with the notes for cask number 1.

This nose is what I like to call deep sherry. Wonderful dark fruit with a drop of balsamico, some espresso, but the leading role is unmistakably reserved for marzipan. It also hints at something like smoked ham wrapped around a fresh dade. Umami. Oxo? But do not leave it breathing for too long, for it then gets something that reminds me of sneakers.

It is very creamy, but surprisingly soft. I am not inclided, at any time, to add water to this. Well seasoned which gives the dark and succulent fruits a nice depth. Cloves, mostly.

The finish is long and now the spices become very loud. Maybe I should have added a splash after all?

A beautiful GlenDronach that would accompany a Christmas cake perfectly.

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