Tastes

For something as sherry forward as this expression is, the balance and complexity that GlenDronach achieved here is really quite special. The nose is vibrant and teases the major notes from the palate: orange, chocolate, sultanas, nutmeg, and stone fruits can all be found here. The velvety palate arrives with warmth, but not heat, and packs a punch of fruitcake, citrus and spice - a perfect whisky to enjoy at the holidays. However, the palate quickly cedes the stage to the real star of this show: the finish. Long, intense, and layered, this whisky's finish leaves you wanting to experience it again and again. The sultanas, mocha, and oak linger long after the dram is done. Cask Strength Batch 10 is a superb effort by GlenDronach and worth well more than its modest MSRP.

The nose carries strong oak - very unique, rich oak, I should add - and maple syrup notes, along with a hint of orange peel. The arrival is creamy smooth, with vanilla and some baking spice. The oak returns in earnest on the mid-palate, joined by toffee and spearmint gum. The finish is especially long for a spirit of this proof, with bitter dark chocolate, leather, spices and savory maple. A bit spendy at $80, but if you're in Oregon and looking for something tasty and distinctive, seek this one out.

On the nose, this 10yr BiB bourbon imparts notes of toasted oak, orange peel and vanilla. The arrival brings more citrus and some cinnamon, along with spearment gum. Those tastes carry through to the mid-palate, but transition to classic vanilla wafer and caramel. The finish returns the barrel char and spices, along with some mint and nuttiness. My one knock against it is that the spirit was a little thin on the palate, but this is a screaming deal at $37.

Intense aromas of cherry cola, plums and candy floss emerge on the nose. The spirit is smooth on the arrival, with classic caramel flavor along with the Port dark fruits. The mid-palate brings back the cherry cola, along with vanilla and cinnamon. Barrel spices and red wine round out the mildly dry finish - this is a craft bourbon with a very distinct profile with a lot to like at $60.

The nose carries classic bourbon smells of vanilla, coconut and caramel, but also packs a nice citrus punch. On the arrival, there's some decent heat, black pepper and more vanilla. Orange peel and barrel spices dominate the mid-palate, creating excellent complexity and balance. The finish is dry, and brings back the coconut and pepper, while introducing dark chocolate, barrel char and some nuttiness. A truly fantastic bourbon at a fairly affordable price.