GlenDronach 12

[awhiskeydrink]

My wife picked this one up for me. I found GlenDronach quite a bit different then the ones I typically drink. Just thought I'd share my review...



GlenDronach 12 was the last of three valentines day scotches I receive, but one of the most enjoyable and challenging to review. Bourbons and many scotches fall into my comfort zone, but GlenDronach was hitting all sorts of flavor notes at once. And the strong presence of musk combine with a subtle peat profile was really throwing me. Though I find the aroma a bit off, the flavors were bold and spot on.

On their site, GlenDronach highlights their 12 year old whiskey which was just re-released in April 2009. I agree with their claim the scotch is highly individual, but have some skepticism with their use of the terms, “creamy, silky-smooth... and soft fruits.” I’ve discovered the source of the musk scent, tracing it back to the Spanish sherry casks. This tidbit of information warrants a revisit; Next time around I might appreciate the aroma, even exploring its depths (12 Year Old).

taste - gentle upfront with an understated herbal sweetness, minimal vanilla spice, unfolds with amaretto and rum soaked raisins, nutty almost acorn taste, light floral tones on the back end; then comes the best part, flourless chocolate torte or darker toffee, heather, wildflowers, grasses, hay, peat of finish.

smell - citrus oils, almond skins, tinge of sugar cane, dried herbs, cracked pepper, musk, peat, fried egg, summer grasses, over turned earth, desert sand, stone.

look - heathered honey, ripples when swirled, pale tones of toffee

rating - 7.75* points deducted for overpowering smell, 8.5 based solely off flavor

price - $40 - $50
Cheers,
Swift

*ignore the lower rating if musk doesn't bother you