It’s been quite a long time since my last Glendronach tasting note, and since the Glendronach do not release a lot of new expressions, every new expression is a cause for celebration. This one was released some time ago, and I’ve been wanting to get my hands on a bottle or sample for quite some time, and only now managed to get hold of one. I did not wait and immediately tasted it. Curiosity, you know. I really like the 12 and 15 year old expressions and had high hopes for this one. The 21 year old was matured in a mix of PX and Oloroso casks, for 21 years and bottled at a lovely 48% ABV, NCF and natural color, just we like! If you wonder about the origin of the name , it is named after the Parliament of rooks that live in the trees near the distillery.
Glendronach 21, Parliament , 48% ABV , £68
Nose: Rich luscious and sexy sherry profile. Very sweet. Golden syrup. Honey. Dried fruit especially plums and raisins. A tad vinegary. And a tad meaty too going to bouillon country quite fresh for the age of 21!
Palate: Pepper, plum juice. Double espresso getting dry with a peppery edge going on.
Finish : Dark chocolate. Espresso and pepper. Plum jam.
Bottom line:
This is a very good dram, thick, powerful nose and palate, one sherry lovers and sherry heads will surely appreciate. I was a bit surprised by the peppery tang on the palate I was not expecting, but is not unpleasant. I would rate this one a point or two less than the 15 year old. Recommended if you appreciated sherried drams and liked the profile of the 15 year old and want to dive deeper into the Glendronach offering.
Score: 86/100
Many thanks to the chaps at Glendronach for the sample
Yup, this is a good one!