As you may have guessed from the name of this expression, GlenDronach is going back in time with Traditionally Peated. More specifically, about 200 years back, to the year 1826 when the distillery was founded, and it was common practice in the Highlands to burn peat in the kiln towards the end of the barley malting. For the whisky, the distillery has kept its traditional sherried style, marrying liquid from a range of Pedro Ximénez, Oloroso sherry and Port casks, all bottled up at 48% ABV.
Treacle, orange sweeties, set honey, liquorice and smoky oak.
Flamed orange peel and maple syrup, with Scottish tablet, clove-studded orange and cooked plum.
Smoked barley lingers alongside juicy forest fruits.
Experience has taught me to be wary of £50 NAS whiskies but there was no need to worry with this Glendronach. The facts - it's a 48% triple wood - PX, Oloroso and Port - non-chillfiltered and no added colour - which gets it off to a great start! The MoM malt notes are pretty spot on but I would emphasise that the peat certainly doesn't dominate - it's a subtle background note - so if you're looking for a heavily peated dram, look elsewhere. My favourite thing is the blueberry / bramble muffin note on the finish. Really delicious and makes you want more. Dangerous!
