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For what it's worth, I really enjoyed the farclas 17 when I had it, preferring it to the 15. Not had the glendronach myself nor the astar though.

The GlenDronach 15 is fantastic. So much complexity for a 15 year old. If you can find the 18 though, you'll be blown away - rivals 20-25 year old sherried malts such as Glenfarclas, so much class and refinement for an 18 year old, and cheaper at that.

I've only tried the Glendronach from your list. I wholeheartedly recommend it; an incredible option in it's price range, drinks well beyond it's price and age (I'll say that for the 12 as well, which is now a staple in my cabinet). The secret is coming out on Glendronach, and I've noted that they have become harder to find.

I always go for diversity and nothing in your cabinet is heavily sherried (old-style, dirty sherry) like GlenDronach 15, so you might want to give it a shot. Astar and Glenfarclas 17 are good but much more similar to previous things you've tried.

That said, I don't like GlenDronach 15 myself. But I do think it's pretty unique in its style so everyone should find out for himself.

I took the Glendronach 15 along to a Whisky Squad (whiskysquad.com) session last month and it was voted second best of the night, only missing out to Glenfarclas 105 (The Squad seem to like cask strength whisky). I think the 18 is better (as Ruben says - old fashioned, dirty sherried whisky. My favourite) but the 15 Revival is excellently priced and very tasty.

I've tried the Astar a couple of times and while it's quite nice it didn't blow me away - fruity, creamy bourbon cask whisky executed well, but without a USP.

I've not tried the Glenfarclas 17 (although now I know of its existence I will let everyone I know who visits from the USA that I might be interested in them bringing back a bottle) but I've never had a bad whisky from Glenfarclas.

A question to anyone who has tried the Glenfarclas 17 - does it have the peat smoke that their website's tasting notes claim?

@OCeallaigh: Gordon & MacPhail's make Benromach 10yo. is certainly worth a look. A lovely drop, in- expensive and with superb wood treatment - They have been polishing the best Malts for a very long time and now have their own spirit to nurse and it is magnificent!

Slainte.

I really like the Glenfarclas 17 and the Glendronach 15 Revival - both offer very good Quality for the money. I agree with Ruben that the Glendronach stands for a certain Style of sherried Whisky (oldschool) whereas the Glenfarclas 17 offers a more common Style - therefore the Revival could offer you the most new Impressions. The Astar is not bad but would be my third Choice. @cowfish: in the Glenfarclas Range the 17 and the 21 (which are my favourites in the standard Range along with the 40) really have a hint of peat/smoke - very subtle but it´s there.

@WhiskyNotes Tell me, is there another old style, dirty Sherried whisky that you would highly recommend???