The GlenDronach started its Grandeur series back in 2010. It is a selection of some of the best and oldest Oloroso casks in the warehouses, roughly between 25 and 30 years of age. In 2023 they released Grandeur Batch 12. We can’t be sure, but this should be 1993 or 1994 stock.
GlenDronach Grandeur 29 yo (49,2%, OB 2023, Oloroso sherry, Batch #012, 2940 btl.)
Nose: how nice! Beautiful polished oak, superb tobacco notes and rosewood. Red berries, juicy plums, raspberry ganache and blackcurrant. A dollop of rustic cognac rancio, as well as soft hints of graphite. Then rum and raisins, cinnamon, drops of balsamic and spiced chocolate. Later also a combination of dark coffee and fresh mint, which works wonders.
Mouth: a great sweet and sour balance, without any oaky astringency. Plums and figs, along with sultanas, cherries, roasted coffee beans and milk chocolate. Then raspberry jam, candied ginger and old leather. Cinnamon, walnuts and tobacco. Clean, bright sherry that brings back memories of 1970s ‘Dronach.
Finish: rather long, with more juicy fruits, coffee, orange peels and old oak.
I thought this kind of GlenDronach was long gone, but this is bloody gorgeous. I found a sample at whiskysite.nl. Full bottles seem to be cheaper in the UK, check The Whisky Exchange for instance.