Chapter 35
My first Glendronach Whisky
This visit to Glendronach was one of the highlights of our latest trip through Speyside. The staff welcomed us warmly, setting the tone for a relaxed and immersive experience. The distillery itself is steeped in history, with its stone buildings and traditional dunnage warehouses offering a tangible connection to Scotch whisky heritage.
From the moment we stepped inside, it was clear we were in a place that takes pride in both its legacy and its whisky.
The selection of drams at the end covers one of the greatest recent expressions from Glendronach. Come and see which one is the best Glendronach Whisky among these, in our humble opinion.
Glendronach – Ode to the Dark (Master’s Anthology)
NAS expression offered at 50.8% abv with natural presentation after a full maturation in PX sherry casks and with an RRP in the UK of £75-85.
On the Nose: Pungent and evocative. Bright orange peel and spicy ginger leap out first, followed by deeper notes of toasted almonds and dark chocolate. There’s a clear malty base—think roasted barley—woven with earthy tones like wicker baskets and a surprising, almost vegetal note of crushed fresh cherry tomatoes.
Palate: Bitter in nature but richly textured. The dram coats the palate with a dark, sherried grip that’s robust and satisfying. No sweetness overload here—just dense, structured bitterness that adds complexity.
Finish: Medium length, with a lingering warmth. Licorice root gives way to sticky dates and a nutty sweetness reminiscent of torroncino nougat.
Overall: A confident, brooding dram that leans into the darker side of PX sherry maturation. Bitter yet balanced, this is not your typical crowd-pleaser—it’s more introspective and quietly powerful. A fine expression for those who like their sherry cask whiskies unpolished and uncompromising.
Glendronach – 18 Year Old “Allardice”
18 year old core range product at 46% abv with natural colour and unknown filtration. Aged in Oloroso casks can be found in the UK around £130+.
On the Nose: Bright and fruity—zesty mandarin and cherry notes paired with gentle vanilla sweetness. A clean nutty undertone of fresh almonds completes the inviting bouquet.
Palate: Soft and approachable with a gentle arrival of sweet honey. Layers of hazelnuts complement a smooth, lingering dark chocolate note. The texture is rich yet balanced.
Finish: The finish lingers with faint honey and nutty tones continuing after the sip.
Overall: A graceful and refined 18-year-old offering from Glendronach. The dram unfolds with neat fruit sweetness, nutty richness, and gentle spice. Harmonious and satisfying, this whisky showcases the elegance of well-aged Oloroso maturation.
Glendronach – Oloroso Single Cask 58.5%
Hand-filled distillery exclusive dram from cask number 6-913 (Oloroso Puncheon). Distilled in June 2011 and bottled in November 2024. Very natural presentation indeed.
On the Nose: Fragrant and rich. Notes of jasmine and nutmeg open with floral spice. Honeyed layers follow, blending seamlessly with the pastry sweetness of baklava and a deep base of palm sugar.
Palate: Boldly sherried. Cinnamon and ginger spice lead the charge, melting into syrupy dates, sun-dried fruit, and dense prunes. Dark, sticky, and mouth-filling.
Finish: Medium to long. Fades gently into a faintly herbaceous echo—sage and eucalyptus bring a cooling lift after all the rich sweetness.
Overall: A deeply expressive Oloroso-matured dram that balances floral delicacy with dried fruit density. Complex yet approachable, this is a quintessential sherried Glendronach experience with both warmth and finesse.
Glendronach – PX Single Cask 58%
Similar concept but from a PX Puncheon just turned 11. And, yes! They know how to sherry-bomb you.
On the Nose: An elegant and layered PX profile. There’s a touch of burnt caramel and toasted pralines, followed by tree sap and soft stone fruits like peaches. Candied orange peel adds a citrus brightness, while a whisper of dandelion brings a grassy edge.
Palate: Sumptuously rich. Thick and velvety, this dram oozes with dark dates and sherried sweetness. A slow, indulgent sip that clings to the palate.
Finish: Long and fruit-forward. Baked pears and warm apricots leave a soft, lingering sweetness that rounds out the experience beautifully.
Overall: A decadent and expressive PX-matured whisky. Balancing dark, sticky fruits with toasted and herbal notes, this one offers all the richness expected from Glendronach’s sherry pedigree—but with an elegant, composed twist
Overall
The tasting was a journey through deep, complex sherry cask maturations—each dram offering a distinct personality while staying true to the Glendronach DNA. From the bold spice of the Oloroso to the syrupy depth of the PX, every glass was rewarding. Glendronach continues to live up to its reputation as a sherry-cask powerhouse, while also showing signs of subtle evolution. A true institution that’s not resting on its laurels—still delivering quality, and still full of surprises. We did enjoy pure natural presentation best.
Drams
and more...
Today's drams
- Glendronach – Ode to the Dark (Master’s Anthology)
- Glendronach – 18 Year Old “Allardice”
- Glendronach – Oloroso Single Cask 58.5%
- Glendronach – PX Single Cask 58%