This is the oldest GlenDronach in their 10th Batch of single cask releases. No 1970’s bottlings (not sure whether we can still expect some?), no 1980’s either (they were hardly available anyway). Let’s not moan about better times, we’ll just try GlenDronach 1990 cask #2970 – a P.X. puncheon.
GlenDronach 24 yo 1990
(51,3%, OB 2014, Pedro Ximénez puncheon #2970, 630 btl.)
GlenDronach 24 yo 1990Nose: a nice, deep fruitiness, reminding me of the best 1970’s casks. Poached pears, raspberry gums, quinces, alongside the obvious figs and raisins. Very jammy. There’s also a roasted / earthy note in the background, think coffee beans and wet leaves. Nice top notes of polished oak and leather.
Mouth: sweet, but there’s more emphasis on the darker notes now – the fruits are on a second level. Walnuts, dark chocolate, toasted hazelnut. Hints of pipe tobacco. Burnt brown sugar. Sweet and sour. Some slightly bitter, herbal notes, cardamom and eucalyptus. Towards the end black cherries and forest fruits come out.
Finish: long, still some toasted notes and Mon Cheri.
One of the better releases in this 10th Batch. I already liked sister cask #2966 and this one is just as complex. Around € 200.
Score: 89/100