GlenDronach Allardice 18 Year

Wonderful - my first glimpse appreciating complexities of a dram... rum, pineapple, smooth long finish that tidied itself up nicely.

Sweeter and smoother than the 15. But not as balanced.

Big sherry influence. Mine was bottled in 2019 and likely has a minimum of 22-23 year old stock due to the 1996-2002 closure of GlenD and it must have some even older stock, possibly much older. Age isn't everything though and some whisky does not improve past a certain point. Cask quality is super important. However this is whisky made by The Glendronach in the old way with floor maltings and slight peat kilning. They had lots of casks in storage and the legendary Billy Walker went out and bought some back and got more. They are mixing plenty of good aged spirit into this IMHO. You really need to let it sit and rest for a little bit after pouring or you will get cheated. I recommend pouring and sip, wait 15 minutes and sip again, wait 10-15 minutes and consume. You can bide your time with badminton or preparing a flan but I recommend what I do: Drink Talisker 10 and Distiller's editon to pass the time. You could also consume any of the Macallan 12s and lament the slow decay of the Macallan stock if that is your thing. This whisky is extremely dark and thick and viscous. Great mouth feel and nice finish. Hold it on the tongue as long as you can and you will not be disappointed. It deserves to be consumed slowly and deliberately like a very delicate and expensive wine while you contemplate your fragile existence.