The ninth batch of GlenDronach's Grandeur series is a 24 year old single malt from the brilliant Highland distillery, drawn from sherry casks personally selected by master blender Rachel Barrie and bottled at 48.7% ABv. A release of just 1,487 bottles, each presented alongside a handsome case.
A carefully woven tapestry of stone fruit, baked quince and glazed cherries on a seductive bed of sandalwood, roast chestnuts and subtle musk- scented leather. The freshness of oak balsam lifts and lengthens throughout, sustaining the exceptional balance and complexity.
An elegant, deep and perfectly integrated palate combines a myriad of sherry cask tastes in each sip; an initial burst of rich sherry-laced fruitcake intriguingly opens up to reveal baked orange, sultana and luscious black cherries.
As time slowly passes, the taste lengthens and deepens towards an elegant dark chocolate mint, raisin and angelica root velvet finish.
I have no idea why there aren’t reviews here on MoM. I recently acquired my first bottle (batch 9, #231 out of 1,487 is mine) and tried my first dram in my usual manner: neat, then followed by few drops of cold water, then followed by a few more drops,etc. nose was fantastic, rich, complex and most noticeably balanced among many aromas—I have no idea about all those descriptions in producer notes. Taste was out of this world (technical American tasting term) and the producer notes on palate are exactly accurate, not overstated. From nose through to finally swallowing was a veritable symphony of flavors and tastes; just an extraordinary series of sensations and experiences. And so smooth-how do they do it at 49%? And I’d say so balanced, but that would be like saying a great symphony performance is balanced. And adding touch of water also brought out even more. IMHO, best whiskey I’ve ever had. Odd, since my experience of the 18 yr old Allardice is just that it’s a good whiskey, but not my fav 18!?! So I think the greatness here is much more than just six more years. - AJ
