There is a lot to like about Whisky Review: The GlenDronach Cask Strength Batch 12 on paper — ies in Scotland very well has been doing interesting work. At 58.2 ABV) and $104.99, let us see if it lives up to expectations.
Nose
d around 100,000 casks. Ive got to know all the distilleries in Scotland very well. It is thus my privilege that Dr. Barries GlenDronach Cask Strength series is the first time I try to identify what a master blender is curating through a series. Here at Whiskeyful, we received a sample of The GlenDronach Cask Strength Batch 12, which Dr. Barrie notes offers connoisseurs a deep insight into the distillerys signature character, by bottling at the whiskys natural cask strength, as was the custom before the turn of the 20th Century. The whisky is richly sherried after aging in Pedro Ximénez and Oloroso sherry casks, and though there is no age statement, my previous experience with The GlenDronach Cask Strength Batch 11 lead me to expect the dram to be smooth, in defiance of the blistering 58.2% ABV concentration. Where I thought Batch 11 was phenomenal, Dr. Barrie truly hit it out of the park with Batch 12. A darker expression than Batch 11, the dram pulls flavors of cacao, cigar box, and malt along with the rich blackberry pie from the sherry aging. Im grabbing one, and Id advise you to do as well. We review GlenDronach Cask Strength Batch 12, matured in Pedro Ximenez and Oloroso sherry casks before being bottled at 116.4 proof. (image via The GlenDronach) Tasting Notes: The GlenDronach Cask Strength Batch 12 Vital Stats: No age statement. Matured in Pedro Ximenez and Oloroso sherry casks. 116.4 proof (58.2 ABV). $104.99/700ml Appearance: Pale orange with a red hue. Nose: Mince pie overlays thick coffee and iodine. Dark notes of cacao flutter in between buttery oils that float off the glass.
Finish
A muted start is earthy with bitter cacao which leads quickly to dark blackberry mixed with allspice and iodine. The whisky continues to flourish for quite some time, revealing wood flavors of cigar box without losing dried fig notes. The finish emphasizes the bitter cacao again but this time with a touch of honey and cream.
The Bottom Line
Whisky Review: The GlenDronach Cask Strength Batch 12 is outstanding — one of those bottles that reminds you why you fell in love with whiskey in the first place. If you see it at $104.99, do not hesitate. This one earns a permanent spot on the shelf.
