Glendronach 1993 17 Year Old cask #529

The oloroso sherry cask number 529 yielded no less than 627 bottles of this syrupy colored liquid, at a strength of 60,5% ABV. This GlenDronach matured for 17 years, so I'll bet it's very similar to the standard 15 Year Old Revival of the same Speyside distillery.

The nose is special, to say the least. And while I expected more sherry tones (they are there, but somewhat in the background), the first whiff is rather meaty. Less gym shoes than the Revival, but again a hint of sulpher is present. Rather vegetal too, with parsley and mushrooms. Despite the high ABV, I don't get any burning sensation on the nose. Very soft. Adding water makes it sweeter and dissolves the sulpher. An improvement.

The ABV does make itself be heard on the palate, though. Very peppery attack. Chili and cinnamon. But now I also get some dark, fried fruit (raisin, figs, prunes, dades) and nuts. Contrary to the Revival, the sulpher lining does rear its ugly head here. Slightly sourish, as well. Red berries? Thanks to the addition of water it is very palatable (doh!) and enhances the red fruit experience. Again an improvement.

The finish puts your salivary glands in overdrive. Lang, very spicy and 'red'. Diluting, however, shortens the finish considerably.

It's a tough choice with this GlenDronach signle cask. While the nose and palate improve with water, the finish falls apart.

Find where to buy GlenDronach whisky