SMWS Tasting Notes: Rich and toasty aromas of teacakes and toffee combined with cinnamon, nutmeg and star anise in a heavy fruitcake topped with molasses and dates. The palate was equally as sumptuous with oozing dark treacle, Manuka honey and brittle toffee over prunes, raisins and coffee beans in dark navy rum. With water came a wave of bitter orange marmalade, black forest gateau and slightly charred hot cross buns full of sweet spice. The palate continued with burnt orange peel, chocolate malt and cocoa powder but now with coconut flakes, tobacco and liquorice stick. After spending five years in an oloroso butt this was transferred to a second fill toasted oak butt for the remainder of its maturation.
It was really a beautiful dram. Cask strength. 12 year old Irish. It could have been disappointing, but in no way did it not deliver. Delicious, balanced, Irish.
In my YouTube Review this scored 5 out of 5 for Quality
The pinnacle of the Glendronach core range, the 21 Year Parliament, is a truly amazing dram. My review here: https://engineered.network/whisky/episode-22-glendronach-21-year/
Thank you Horny Pony for helping me try before I buy! (I since bought a bottle of this)
Some lovely ocean spray and subtle smoke on the nose. More of the ocean than the fire on the nose at least. Sweet upfront and then a little prickly, but beautifully done. Apricot jam which reveals freshly cracked black pepper, that smoothens into cured meats and honey. This dram gives a charcuterie board alongside a cigar. A taster is well worthwhile as this has certainly moved me towards buying a bottle.
I've actually been wanting to taste this so I can make up my mind to buy a bottle. When I found your site and saw it had this I immediately bought some tasting samples and absolutely loved it! Will definitely invest in a bottle