GlenDronach Original 12 Year

I really rate Glendronach and this is no exception. I have had bottles of the 12,15,18 and 21 plus others in the range and although this doesn't best a number of them as its a bit rougher and more sulphuric round the edges once you take the price into account it still deserves top marks. At $50USD a bottle (in NZ) nothing else in the sherry bomb range comes close in terms of value for $. Update: I got another bottle a year later and it was definately a different kettle of fish so to speak. The richness seemed to have disappeared somewhat. I suspect the earlier bottle may have had older whisky in it i.e. it was a pre 2013 bottle (the 12 year was launched in 2009 even though the distillery reopened only in 2001)

The first impression is fresh fruits combined with the usual dried fruits from the PX sherry maturation. In addition you will find caramel, honey and sweet toffee notes. It starts with brown sugar and fruity juiciness on the palate. Then there is a slight alcohol burn and pleasant dry sherry notes with Christmas spices. Then you get beautiful toffee/caramel from the direct fired stills before you experience a mouthwatering finish with oak, citrus and a faint breeze of smoke. In comparison with other 'younger' expressions of sherry monsters (like Glenfarclas 12yo) this is the best I had so far. I absolutely adore the caramel note from the direct fired stills and it's a shame they changed their production to steam powered stills in 2005!!!