LouisianaLonghorn
GlenDronach Original 12 Year
Single Malt — Highlands, Scotland
Reviewed
December 15, 2019 (edited September 13, 2020)
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?!
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@Bourbon_Obsessed_Lexington My wife knows...'to many'..was the number! Although now I've gone on a whiskey diet, apparently with a dozen bottles left I'm getting somewhat closer to the right amount ...lol :-)
@Soba45 @WhiskeyLonghorn if not for my wife to keep track I would have no idea how many bottles I’ve accumulated, if only she could tabulate my opened and unopened bottles and group them by distillery and proof...
2019 rye........Jack Daniels Single Barrel rye
2019 bourbon..Bookers shiny barrel batch 02..........2019 scotch......Lagavulin 16
I love this one, too. Just a classic. Whiskey of the year? I've become a Barrell fanatic as of late, so Barrell Bourbon 019 and the Vatted Malt come to mind, as does Highland Park Twisted Tattoo (yes, that's three, but I surprised I was able to narrow it down that much) Best taste of the year? Probably Compass Box Hedonism the Muse.
@WhiskeyLonghorn I ordered one last year, but combined it with other stuff to spread the shipping. Paid $90...but now with tariffs, it’s not too far off from the $160
@PBMichiganWolverine I paid around $160 after taxes. Not cheep, but worth the investment. I feel like the 21+ age scotches are worth the price to ship from Europe.
@WhiskeyLonghorn it’s crazy expensive in the US. If you combine shipping, it was much cheaper abroad. But...probably all works out the same now anyway with the tariffs
@1901 I love the Talisker 18! So good, but I’ve only taken the neck pour off my bottle. I paid a lot of $ for it so I’m trying to make it last. Maybe next year!
Nice review. My WOTY is one you mentioned - Talisker 18. Laphroaig Lore ran it close.
@WhiskeyLonghorn Nice review. I am with you with this one. A very good sherried whisky (as I compare to Macallan 12 as a control). Glenfarclas as well
@WhiskeyLonghorn Very good choice, you can't go wrong with GlenDronach 12yo.
Whiskey of the year for me: 2019 release—Tobias and the Angel. Best I’ve tried in 2019—1986 Talisker 21 yr old. Best reasonable priced one (<$90) —Del Bac Dorado
@WhiskeyLonghorn Ah interesting! I'll have to try it sometime
@Soba45 my bottle said it was bottled this year, and the tasting notes are from Rachel Barrie instead of Billy Walker. I still found it to be a quality drop. I do t think she’s tinkered with this one like she had to with the 15.
Good review! My wife is past the anger and despair phase and well into acceptance now :-). Sounds like you may have an earlier bottle with older stock in it. Those were great. If you like that you'll love the 18!
Previous WOTY: 2017-Four Roses Single Barrel, 2018-Compass Box Spice Tree