The quotation marks are because the age of this whisky is not what is says. This one was bottled in 2022, which means distillation would have happened around 2020/2021. However, at that time the distillery was closed and not producing anything. It shut down in 1996, which makes this whisky some 25 or 26 years old, at least. Thijs did a proper write-up of this, a while ago.

Older is not always better, but for GlenDronach is often is. So, it’s not entirely surprising that this dram scores a whopping 90+ on Whiskybase.

A sample of this glorious stuff was provided by Koen, from RareVintageWhisky.nl, so a ‘thank you’ is in order: Thank you, Koen!

Sniff:
There’s a significant note of oak, but it’s kept in check by an unexpected amount of barley for a 20-something year old whisky. There’s quite some sherry but it’s not overly sweet or overly ‘Christmas-y’. Slightly yeasty, with a tiny bitter note of almonds. Some apricots too.

Sip:
The palate brings quite a punch for a 48% whisky. Almonds and apricots for bitterness. More of an oaky sweetness, with a little bit of vanilla and other baking spices. It mellows out quickly leaving old barley and wood.

Swallow:
The finish is more woody and less fierce than the palate. Barley and almonds, some dried fruits. Not overly long.

A beautiful palate and nose, with incredible balance. The finish is more gentle and would preferably have lasted a tad longer. A really solid dram with some very old fashioned qualities to it. Very much unlike a lot of modern sherry cask matured whiskies.

With this costing around € 250 now, I’m seriously considering getting a bottle.

89/100