GlenDronach Allardice 18 Year

Not my favorite

There's a reason why so many whiskies--all five scotch regions, American bourbon and whiskey, and Japanese whisky--employ sherry-cask finishing: because it imparts color, complexity, and complementary sweetness. Glendronach has been finishing in sherry casks for nearly two centuries. Glendro describes the color of the 18 as "bright deep gold with a tawny centre." Not to be pedantic and argue with the distillery, but: it's pretty dark. I'd call it tawny with deep gold edges. There's more darkness than brightness. But the distillery nails it on the first nose descriptor: fudge. The sherry influence is unmistakable, with brown sugar, frangipane, pomander, and spice cake. These aromas translate to similar flavors on the palate, along with subtle heat; the slightly higher than normal 46% ABV is well integrated. Sweet tobacco and leather round out the finish. The Distiller score of 84 by Stephanie Moreno is off the mark. Glendro 18 is a hedonistic, cerebral scotch that gives a pleasurable drinking experience and can be savored over an entire evening. N.B. All spirits tasted neat in a Glencairn glass.

Sherry, sweet, very dark color, brown sugar, red fruits