GlenDronach Peated

GlenDronach Peated, NAS, 46 %

In late 2015 GlenDronach introduced their very first peated core range whisky, the cleverly named GlenDronach Peated. This is a whisky with no age statement (NAS). The GlenDronach Peated is initially matured in bourbon casks, then it receives a finish in Oloroso and Pedro Ximénez Sherry casks

You can obtain a bottle of the GlenDronach in Norway at NOK 660 (3781801), in Sweden at SEK 552 (8594301), and in the UK at around GBP 37.

Nose: Sherry and vanilla notes to start with. A warm and cosy kind of smoke - earthy, woodsy and sweet at the same time.

Taste: Dry mouthfeel with medium body. Cinnamon, black peppercorns, licorice (in large amounts), and demerara sugar. Oaky.

Finish: Medium long finish. Keeps drying out. Salt and ashes. Feels like licking a dry old cinnamon stick and chewing on unsweetened licorice. In the end it feels bitter and old, but not old in a good way.

Comments: Huh. I'd describe this as a grumpy old whisky, although I know it cannot be very old - it's just the vibe I get. I love GlenDronach, but this young peated business did not do it for me.

Score (77/100)

Image from Master of Malt.

Sláinte! - Thomas