Glendronach 27 Years Old Single Cask Batch 9 Cask 1035 53.7% 1985

Professionele reviews

Serge Valentin (86)

Colour: mahogany.

Nose: this time we’re starting with coffee-schnapps, more roasted coffee with a smoky side (wood smoke), unexpected notes of custard and quite some milk chocolate. In the background, herbs and grasses and even a little bread. Pencil shavings. I have to say it’s got some traces of new white oak, which is kind of funny. With water: even more so, with also a farmyardy side.

Mouth (neat): a firm and zesty attack on bitter oranges and white pepper, with quite a lot of cinnamon that gives it a drying side. The oak really comes out, there’s a feeling of strong black tea. With water: same. Also chocolate again, marmalade and ginger.

Finish: rather long, more on coffee again. A rather oaky aftertaste.

Comments: we haven’t reached the same heights as with the 1993s (1993/2013, 59.1%, OB, Abbey Whisky, Oloroso sherry butt, cask 33, 592 bottles) and 1992s (1992/2009, 58.8%, OB, Parkers Whisky, oloroso sherry butt, cask #401, 626 bottles ; 1992/2013, 51.8%, OB, Taiwan, oloroso sherry butt, cask #1159, 220 bottles) in my opinion, but this remains extremely fine. Just a little drying.

Gal Granov (93)

Nose : Lovely smoked sherry influence. Yes smoke. dried fruit salad , balsamic, smoked prunes, figs , pepper cinnamon and clove.

Palate: Oh yea! That wonderful smoky sweet stuff is back , but even more pronounced. Delicious dark and bitter sweet plums , BBQ smoke and oak with a touch of dark chocolate cardamom and Clove.

Finish: Dark chocolate. Oak. Smoke and spices. Drying.

In short: A stunning cask. I just LOVE the smoky plum and sultanas, with the Balsamic and sweetness, with enough oak to balance it, not too sweet, not too oaky and not too dry. I was overwhelmed by how good it was the first time i tasted it, and the second and third sessions were just as good. Tulip shaped glass produced the best results with this one (not a Glencairn)

Brilliant cask. Get one if you can. that’s all I can say here.

BOW (91)