The GlenDronach Cask Strength Batch 8 (61%, OB, 2019)

• ABV: 61%
• Age: NAS
• Bottling: OB
• Category: Highland single malt scotch whisky
• Cost: £62.95
• Origin: GlenDronach distillery
• Vintage: Undeclared

What they say

The GlenDronach distillery is pleased to announce the eighth release of its Cask Strength Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky, matured for ten years in Pedro Ximénez and Oloroso sherry casks from Andalucía. This expression offers connoisseurs a deeper insight into the distillery’s signature profile, by bottling the whisky at its natural strength of 61%, to bring the full depth of maturation in Spanish oak casks.

With each unique cask strength release, Master Blender Dr. Rachel Barrie selects the perfect marriage of sherry casks before bottling at cask strength and without chill filtration, as was the custom when The GlenDronach distillery was established in 1826. As with all of The GlenDronach expressions, the rich natural colour is drawn from the Spanish oak in which it rests.

Master Blender, Dr. Rachel Barrie said:
“The GlenDronach Cask Strength Batch 8 is incredibly rich and full-bodied, the result of years of slow maturation in Pedro Ximénez puncheons, quarter casks and Oloroso sherry butts. Casks were individually selected, combined and bottled at natural cask strength to deliver maximum character and depth. Sip layers of sherry cask matured character unfolding slowly over time; from mocha, dark chocolate and caramel espresso to cherry cake layered with sultana and plum; the depth of character is boundless. The texture is like sipping velvet with a burst of sumptuous fruits, warm spices and intense dark chocolate which crescendos into The GlenDronach’s signature long and richly satisfying finish. I hope the most discerning palates will sip, savour and appreciate the full-bodied character of Cask Strength Batch 8.”

Official tasting notes:

• Appearance: Deep tawny gold.
• Nose: Sandalwood, oak balsam and rich aromatic columbian coffee with dark manuka honey, cocoa and brazil nut.
• Palate: Like sipping velvet with mocha, caramel macchiato and cherry chocolate cake, layered with dates, plum skin and sultana.
• Finish: Savour the exceedingly long finish of espresso coffee and cocoa with traces of liquorice and cherry tobacco

What I say

The latest Batch No. 8 of GlenDronach’s cask strength edition, launched in 2019 and coming in at 61% ABV – the highest ABv so far in this range. Perhaps it is because of the high regard of The Glendronach’s core range and superb single cask releases this Cask Strength edition is seemingly overlooked. Compare it to Aberlour’s eponymous A’Bunadh expression and this GlenDronach offers huge ABV and sherry-cask influence at a significantly lower price! Perhaps it is the relative newness – this being only Batch 8 from GlenDronach compared to the 60+ batches of A’Bunadh but represents a great value for money alternative. This is the third I have tried from GlenDronach and all have been equally impressive – this looks to be a range with great continuity of quality.

This post was sponsored by The GlenDronach by provision of a sample of this product.

Previous editions

• The GlenDronach Cask Strength Batch 1 (54.8%) 2012
• The GlenDronach Cask Strength Batch 2 (55.2%) 2013
• The GlenDronach Cask Strength Batch 3 (54.9%) 2013
• The GlenDronach Cask Strength Batch 4 (54.7%) 2014
• The GlenDronach Cask Strength Batch 5 (55.3%) 2015
• The GlenDronach Cask Strength Batch 6 (56.1%) 2016
• The GlenDronach Cask Strength Batch 7 (57.9%) 2018

My tasting notes:

• Appearance: Dark gold (11/20), quick, medium tears and medium legs.
• Nose: Sweet, candyfloss, apples, apple pie and cinnamon, new leather, fresh and jammy forest fruits, berries, dates, figs, cocoa powder and coffee.
• Taste: Full-bodied, warming, spiced dried fruit, apple strudel, spirity, caramel latte, fig jam, date, cherry lips sweeties and dark chocolate.
• Finish: Long, well-spiced Christmas cake and mixed nuts

Overall

Another great Cask Strength expression from GlenDronach, perhaps erring on the side of PX casks in this mixture which makes it all the more appealing to me.

Score 86/100

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