We’ve enjoyed our fair share of GlenDronach over the past years but just last week we managed to get our hands on a limited edition expression, bottled exclusively for the Danish market. Built-in 1825, the Glendronach distillery that was originally led by one James Allardice. GlenDronach are well-known for producing some of the most beautiful sweet sherry-styled Scotch Whisky on the market today, largely owed in part to then Master Blender Billy Walker. Now under the guidance of new Master Blender, Rachel Barrie, Glendronach have gone from strength-to-strength. As mentioned before, GlenDronach are very well know for producing Scotch matured in ex-sherry Oloroso & Pedro Ximenez casks, which give rich, sweet and creamy notes. The GlenDronach 1992 ‘Mace Windu’ is (unofficially) named after a popular Star Wars character, just like the Glendronach Darth Vader, Luke Skywalker and Yoda. This vintage single malt is supposed to be the last in a series, bottled for the Danish market only.
These sherry casks laid down in 1992 have long been acknowledged as an excellent vintage from The GlenDronach, receiving high praise from malt connoisseurs. This has inspired the creation of The GlenDronach 1992 ‘Mace Windu’, to showcase and celebrate this exceptional year. GlenDronach Master Blender, Dr Rachel Barrie, has hand-selected a small number of the finest Oloroso sherry casks exclusively from 1992, to create a marriage of exceptional richness and complexity, in this limited edition twenty-five-year-old expression of The GlenDronach Highland Single Malt Whisky.
On the nose: there are enticing notes of raisins, currants, mandarins, lemon zest and dark chocolate. These are closely followed by notes of cinnamon, plums, berries, some spices, green herbs and a light menthol note. Notes of lavendar and pears start to emerge, followed by candy, liquorice and a nutty aroma. Completing the nose are notes of dates, old leather, a creamy note and hazelnuts. On the palate: those notes of raisins and pears are presents, alongside coffee, hazelnuts, mandarins and a waxy note. Those spicy cinnamon notes are also present, as well as those zesty and creamy flavours, with a hint of butterscotch. Notes of shortbread start to appear, alongside, star anise, those green herbaceous notes and old leather. Rounding-off the palate are notes of Maraschino cherries, dark chocolate, an earthy note and marzipan. The finish: is long, waxy and sweet, with lingering muted spices, almonds, cocoa and brambles.
The verdict: This limited release from GlenDronach is rather special, and in terms of flavour, it’s on par with their 1993 Master Vintage release. This 25-year-old expression is beautifully balanced from nose to palate and has some of the most delicious notes I’ve experienced from a GlenDronach. With an ABV of 48%, it doesn’t require any water in my opinion due to its age-statement. Though if you feel the need to, then do so until it’s just right for you.
This GlenDronach 1992 ‘Mace Windu’ 25 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky can be found at online whisky auctions for approximately £200. For more information on The Glendronach, visit the official website.
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