Hmmm...

It looks like we got out of sync.
Reload your page to freshen up and ensure that you get the best experience.

  • Skip to navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to footer

Join Distiller

Take your spirits journey to the next level when you create an account. Once you sign in you can...

  • Rate Bottles

  • Add Your Notes

  • Save To My Top Shelf

Create Account

Already have an account? Sign in

Enjoy our full-featured list experience in the
free distiller app

  • Create your own lists
  • Find spirits on the go
  • Easily search thousands of products
  • Follow friends and see what they're drinking
  • Track your collection with unlimited notes and bottle quantities PRO
Download Now No Thanks

Enjoy our full-featured list experience in the
free distiller app

  • Create your own lists
  • Find spirits on the go
  • Easily search thousands of products
  • Follow friends and see what they're drinking
  • Track your collection with unlimited notes and bottle quantities
    PRO

GET IT NOW:

If you want to add an image to your reviews, install the app.

GET IT NOW:

Distiller.com uses cookies that are essential for us to operate the website and that are helpful for us to improve the services. By continuing to browse our website, you agree to first-party and third-party cookies being stored on your device. Learn More About Cookies
Search
Distiller Home
  • Search
  • Find People
  • Join Pro
  • Recommend
  • Articles
  • Sign In
  • Register
  • Search
  • Find People
  • About Distiller
  • The Tasting Table
  • Contact Us
  • Advertise
  • Jobs
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • Home

VDubDJ

GlenDronach Original 12 Year

Single Malt — Highlands, Scotland

Reviewed December 23, 2019 (edited February 22, 2020)
4.25
4.25 out of 5 stars
I’ve had this one on my list for months wanting to try it, so here we go. Now technically this is the second time I’ve had this whisky, but it’s my first time reviewing it and really getting a chance to explore it. I had a dram of it at a bar not too long ago, but the rocks glass it was in and the atmosphere made it a little distracting to unpack the whisky. GlenDronach is something I’ve had a strong feeling I would enjoy since I first heard about it. A heavily sherry-influenced malt aged in PX and Oloroso casks. Comes in at 43% and it’s neither chill-filtered nor has coloring added. Poured the full 50ml mini into my brand-new copita(breaking it in with this review). It’s got a lovely straw/hay color to it. Rested it around ten minutes or so before tasting, nosing it a few times while I waited. Nose: The first thing I pick up in the nose is some citrus peel, orange if I had to choose. Definitely finding some oak in here. Another few sniffs and I’m finding some candied fruits as well as some stewed darker fruits. Some vanilla sprinkled in here, very natural like a freshly split bean-pod. There’s a beautiful sweetness to the nose, not overpowering or cloying just really nice. (Mental note: could have sworn I was smelling some dark chocolate when I had this at the bar. But not finding it now; maybe I’m crazy) Palate: The citrus I found in the nose has disappeared and given way to more of those stewed fruits. I definitely get more oak and some spiciness on the palate as well. That lovely sweetness is still there giving the whisky an almost juicy mouthfeel. Finish: A great long finish on this whisky. Not quite the length of Aberlour A’bunadh but it hangs around a while. It unfolds as some lasting sweetness, then spice and oak, then fades away with a little more sweetness. Value/Overall Opinion: I am happy with my decision to buy a mini of this whisky to try it out. Locally to me a normal bottle would cost me just under $70, and I think I’d pay that. Now I could spend about $12 more and get a cask strength Aberlour A’bunadh, but this is still quite nice. A fine dram for sure and this definitely gets me excited to try some other expressions from GlenDronach.
  • 1901
  • cascode
  • jonwilkinson7309
  • geologyjane
  • BirdManPeat
  • Generously_Paul
  • Hairy-Toe-Knuckles
Create Account or Sign in to comment on this review
  • cascode
    January 2, 2020

    Great review, and a great whisky. It's been consistently good for ages now. If you're looking at more GlenDronach the 15 year is the natural next step. Folks will say that the recent releases are not as good as a few years ago, which is true, but it's still a cracking good dram and worth the money.

Sign up for the Distiller Newsletter

Follow Us
Twitter
Facebook
Instagram
Download The App
To learn more about responsible consumption, please visit Foundation For Advancing Alcohol Responsibility.
  • Terms Of Service. ™/© 2026 Distiller
  • Privacy Policy
  • Contact Us
  • Advertise
  • Submit For Review
  • Jobs
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • About Distiller
  • The Tasting Table
  • Contact Us
  • Advertise
  • Submit For Review
  • Jobs
  • Help
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms Of Service. ™/© 2026 Distiller
Follow Us
Twitter
Facebook
Instagram
Newsletter
Sign up for the Distiller Newsletter for new bottle & feature updates
To learn more about responsible consumption, please visit Foundation For Advancing Alcohol Responsibility.