In the past few weeks we’ve been revisiting some drams of liquid-gold and today we’re revisiting the 21yo expression from The GlenDronach. As you may already know, The GlenDronach distillery (12,15 and 18), in Speyside, which was built-in 1825 and 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 a gentleman we spoke about at the time: Billy Walker. While GlenDronach has made a name for itself, it has long been the key to Teacher’s blends. 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. This rich expression, which has been named ‘Parliament’ after the colony, or ‘parliament’, of rooks that have been nesting in the trees that overlook the GlenDronach distillery for almost 200 years. Matured in a combination of the finest Oloroso and Pedro Ximenez sherry casks for a minimum of 21 years, the ‘Parliament’ continues the great GlenDronach tradition of offering fruit-laden intensity in its single malts.
On the nose: there is a warm invitation of mixed fruits, currants, sultanas, red plums, tobacco and dark chocolate. These are closely followed by notes of vanilla, almonds, with subtle hints of spices, cinnamon and viscous like note. More notes in the form of plums, figs, poached pears and oranges start to emerge and are nice rounded-off by notes of maple syrup, lavender and some green herbaceous notes and spiced oatmeal. On the palate: those warm mixed fruits are ever-present, along with bitter dark chocolate and vanilla. After a few swirls in the glass, notes of plums, figs, cinnamon, mixed spices and subdued nutmeg start to emerge. Rounding-off the palate is a hint of ginger bread, red apples, marzipan, tobacco, coffee and walnuts. The finish: is long, smooth and sweet, with lingering muted spices, blackberries, dark chocolate, nuttiness and a lovely oily texture.
The verdict: This 21-year-old scotch, is just that “liquid gold” at its finest, in fact it is so good you could easily mistake this expression for being somewhere nearer to 30 or 40 years of age. But has it changed much under the guidance of new Mater Blender Rachel Barrie? I’d say it has only gotten better. It is so full of depth and fruitful, sweet flavours but has enough subtle spices and lighter notes that truly compliment this drop. With a ABV of 48%, it doesn’t require any water in my opinion. Though if you feel the need to, then do so until it’s just right for you.
GlenDronach ‘Parliament’ 21 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky in any well-stock whisky shop for approximately £150. For more information on The Glendronach , visit the official website.
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