GlenDronach Original 12 Year

That is lovely, soft but long, firm and sherry. Love it and merry Xmas.

Let me say this first--I drink sherry cask finish Scotch less than 50% of the time, and, when I do usually prefer a nice strong accent as you would find in Aberlour 12 or Glenfarclas 10. However, when you are in the mood for a sherry-bomb, this is your ticket. It has a super-strong sherry influence. I would guess that all of it is finished or aged in sherry casks, not just a certain portion. This is not a one-trick pony, besides the heavy sherry notes there is malt, fudge, vanilla, nuttiness and a bit of spiciness. This is a great Scotch. The downside is that it usually costs as much as a good 15 year old.

WHISKY OF THE YEAR 2019: I bought a lot of whisky this year. To the point that my wife was not pleased at all, but even as my liquor cabinet became full to bursting with fine pours such as Del Bac Dorado, Talisker 18 & DE, and Old Forester 1920, I found myself constantly returning to this one. It’s terribly well balanced in my opinion. The PX and Olorosso work very well at not overpowering the malt, and at 43%, there’s still that characteristic Glendronach spice. I got a 2017 bottling of the GD 18 that I plan to review on Christmas that's still from the Billy Walker days, largely inspired by how much I loved this pour. At $160 it was steep, but I plan on making it last. I’ve seen some hate for the new master blender, Rachel Barrie, particularly her limited editions, but I feel she’s doing a fine job stewarding the core range. I know the 15 isn't what it used to be, but it's still a fine pour. I’ve never finished a bottle so quickly as I did with the 12, and went out to immediately re-buy upon bottle kill. At $55 in Texas it’s a no brained. Cheers! What's your Whisky of the Year for 2019?!

Smooth

Lots of honey and some floral nose. Sweet and light oak. A bit of baking spices on finish.

Deep fruit in charred wood, sweet vanilla. A slow burner, to think about, in winter months.

The Mrs and I both enjoyed this well-rounded, not overly peaty scotch (10 Advent19)

I see fruity and vanilla notes described by others. But all I get is heavy spice.