After a short detour in Dalmore land, we’re back to GlenDronach country, and we’re beginning to explore some wood finishes . The first of which is the ‘Virgin Oak’ finish. While some may argue that a finish masks imperfections in a medium quality malt, others would argue that a good finish adds complexity, without overshadowing the underlying malt. I tend to like finishes when they compliment the spirit and not try to change it, and this one is just the case.
After spending time in Spanish oak barrels, it was transferred into a very small batch of Virgin Oak. Let’s try this one, shall we?
Glendronach 14 virgin oak wood finish, 46% ABV, £39
Colour: Full gold
Nose : Starting on vanilla , some wood shavings, sweet fruits ( tropical) with coconut , toasted oak, toffee and honey drops.
Palate: Spicy , sweet entry with syrupy sweet and cinnamony notes. Then drying.
Finish : Wood spices, chilli. Quite short.
Bottom line:
An enjoyable variation on the house style, not as sherried, and more emphasis on the wood/coconut combo, and would appeal to those who prefer ex-Bourbon maturation to big sherry notes.
Score: 85/100
Slainte!
It sounds nice, but I don’t know…when I think Glendronach, I think SHERRY. 🙂
Quite right Jeff, wait a few more days some other amazing sherry finished drams: Sauternes, Muscatel(wow), and tawny Port (amazing).
and to finish all, a 31 year old sherry expression the ‘Granduer’. can you say.
I am loving this Glendronach time. the more i try the more i appreciate this distillery.
😉
Oh, man…I’m jealous. The Grandeur would be quite a treat!
Been enjoying the GlenDronach posts – we only have the 12, 15, 18 here so it is great to get some insight into the other expressions.
Chris,
you have some of the better ones 😉
but really, all those are exepctionally good. each for a different type of whisky lover.
I do think you would appreciate the Tawny port finish and the Moscatel, so sweet, so silky. you can get those on-line for a good price at TWE.
how much $$$ does the 12,15,18 go for in SF?
Chris,
you have some of the better ones 😉
but really, all those are exepctionally good. each for a different type of whisky lover.
I do think you would appreciate the Tawny port finish and the Moscatel, so sweet, so silky. you can get those on-line for a good price at TWE.
how much $$$ does the 12,15,18 go for in SF?
The 12 goes for $55, 15 for $75, 18 for $115
55$ is an exceptional price. i’d get me one for that price Stat.
the 15 is also lovely. 18 for 115 is not bad.
you are lucky.
Chris,
you have some of the better ones 😉
but really, all those are exepctionally good. each for a different type of whisky lover.
I do think you would appreciate the Tawny port finish and the Moscatel, so sweet, so silky. you can get those on-line for a good price at TWE.
how much $$$ does the 12,15,18 go for in SF?