I’ve saved this GlenDronach 1972 as the last review of 2011. You all know it was the big winner at the recent Malt Maniacs Awards and I’ve enjoyed many GlenDronach single casks before. Let’s hope it comes close to the GlenDronach 1972 single cask #719.
Happy New Year everyone!
GlenDronach 39 yo 1972 (49,9%, OB 2011, oloroso cask #712, 466 btl.)
GlenDronach 39 yo 1972 (49,9%, OB 2011, oloroso cask #712, 466 btl.)Nose: strikingly fresh and floral – the first thing I get are lovely roses and passion fruit ganache. A nice addition to the usual raisins, dried berries, cocoa and leather we were expecting already. Raspberries and redcurrant jam. Cherry plums. Big oak polish. Hints of mint. Underneath is a layer of darker aromas, blackberries and something vaguely meaty with a hint of clean gunpowder. While I’m usually struggling with these notes, they are so tiny I’d say it’s an asset. Simply excellent: very wide, luscious and juicy.
Mouth: starts in a classic way, with Christmas cake, dates, sultanas… Rather dry with a velvety mouthfeel. After a few moments, a wave of superb tropical notes comes rolling in. Tangerine, guava, passion fruits again. As if they poured a few litres of BenRiach 1976 in the cask. Wow! It doesn’t last too long though, it returns nicely on chocolate, liquorice and very soft spices. Tiny hints of camphor / mint.
Finish: very long, still a tad fruity but it’s mostly leather and spices now.
What a great dram to round off this year. It definitely needs time to open up and unfold the deep, almost oriental fruitiness that was hidden in the first few sips. For me this deserves a bonus point, I’ve rarely seen sherry and tropical fruits combined so beautifully, not even in other GlenDronach single casks. I’m stunned Serge chooses a GlenDronach 15yo (WF92) over this masterpiece (WF91). Around € 380, still available in some places. Many thanks for the sample swap, Mars!
Score: 93/100