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GlenDronach 8-Year

46% ABV - Highlands, Scotland

Nose: A very clean and light mixture of winey, jammy fruits, confectioners sugar, and fresh fruit candies – the REALFRUIT gummies come to mind.

Taste: Darker fruits are more prominent with some sweet, dried fruit mixed in. Mulling spices and citrus zest in the background, with a slight woodiness.

Finish: Dark fruits and spices lead into teasings of cranberry-apple juice and baker’s chocolate.

The time finally came for me to add another sherry-strong whisky to my stock. I have long enjoyed the taste of Glenfarclas – particularly the 15-Year – but I wanted to take this as an opportunity to try something new. Usually I am fighting for a "good reason" to buy yet another bottle of whisky, and, much to my surprise, I only had a few leaning heavy into the ex-Sherry character. Though it was not the time to open them – saving for that "special occasion". So, I wanted a relatively budget friendly new addition...

Enter the #whiskyfabric – a community of friendly, generous, and helpful whisky enthusiasts! I tried my first Twitter poll and received a number of great suggestions including Glenrothes, Tamdhu, Glenmorangie La Santa, and Aberlour. The poll winner after 24 hours was GlenDronach with a landslide popular vote. The majority of the suggestions reckoned that the 12-Year would be my best bet… however, the only available bottling was the 8-Year in my area. And here we have it!

The GlenDronach 8-Year is bottled at 46% ABV – the golden standard of bottling strength. It has a very light nose full of fresh fruits, and delivers ripe fruits, spices, and a touch of citrus. The finish is thirst quenching and medium length. Fantastic whisky and excellent value. I’m excited to have a chance at the 12-Year again, because this one is delicious and it didn’t take me many drams to arrive at that conclusion.

Tasting Notes (Official): Appearance: Amber with a burnished copper glow. Nose: Rounded waves of orange blossom and a citrus twist flow over buttery, golden sultanas, sundried raisins and ripe yellow plums; all dusted with a touch of vanilla. Palate: Crisp, vibrant oak spices warm soaked sultanas, apricot jam and gingerbread; all rounded by delicate hints of butterscotch, cocoa and toasted almonds. Finish: Classic sherry overtones with a contrasting crisp dimension demonstrate the complexity of the traditional Highland character.

Tasted 02, 07 May 2020. (Posted 13 May 2020.)

88/100
Detailed Rating Information...

90+: Fantastic whisky; highly recommended.
My favourite whiskies – I might have more than one bottle if the price is right and the supply is limited! The higher values in this range will reflect a stronger balance and consistency between components.
85-89: Great whisky; recommended.
Whiskies that tick the flavour boxes and you'll likely hear about these from me. An easy decision to order at a bar/restaurant and one to consider buying a bottle of.
80-84: Very good whisky; recommended, but still consider trying before you buy.
Most of these whiskies I was really happy to have the opportunity to taste, but, apart from a dram here and there, I don’t think I would buy a bottle.
75-79: Good whisky; consider trying before you buy.
These are whiskies that I did enjoy drinking, but likely would reach for another bottle or select something different to order.
65-74: Average; consider trying before you buy, but not recommended.
There is nothing that stood out about this whisky and I might be inclined to mix it with soda or in a cocktail, instead of trying to enjoy its own flavours.
50-64: Bad; not recommended.
I didn’t like this and would sooner pass on another opportunity and order a beer instead than have it again… but never say never.


Whisky Bottle