This GlenDronach 1994 cask #3386 was part of Batch 11 of the GlenDronach single casks, presented early this year. Except for one 1971 cask, we saw only 1990 / 1994 / 1995 / 1996 casks that time. These vintages can be hit or miss, in my opinion, so it’s difficult to know which samples / bottles are the highlights.
GlenDronach 20 yo 1994
(53,6%, OB 2015, Pedro Ximénez puncheon #3386, 624 btl.)
Nose: rich and rather on the dark side. That means lots of prunes, black cherries, blackberry jam and Black Forest cake. Some earthy notes in the background, roasted pecans and almonds. Hints of pipe tobacco as well. The savoury side of sherry mostly.
Mouth: nicely fruity (prunes and dates but also more delicate bergamot) and syrupy. Always with this dark, roasted undertone. Espresso, roasted malt and a leathery dryness. Walnuts, cloves and dry, leafy / mossy notes. Hints of herbal liqueur. I tend to like them a little fresher / lighter but there’s nothing to complain really.
Finish: long, peppery and herbal notes on a background of figs and dates.
A fine example of the savoury / earthy kind of GlenDronach. For me 1994 doesn’t match 1993 but this is a fine sherry monster, no doubt. Around € 160.
Score: 87/100