Whiskies aged in first-fill Sherry butts are especially so, and those drawn entirely from such sherried stock are invariably known as “sherry bombs” for the potent flavors the malt whisky has derived from its time spent mingling with the sherry-soaked wood. The ‘Sherried’ character, therefore, is down to the Sherry itself, but also oxidation and the way in which the Sherry has interacted with and changed compounds in the oak. All of these then interact over time with the maturing spirit.

The Sherry and wood form a pincer movement that stamps out distillery character or any sense of identity in the distillate itself. For me, a great Sherry-matured malt should possess a balance between distillery identity, fruitiness, earthiness and a lick of spice. Sherry bombs almost always eschew this tightrope balance in favoor of heat, density and aggression of wood flavor.

The GlenDronach Distillery is nestled in the valley of Forgue, in the East Highland hills near, is named after the source of its water: the Dronac burn. Founded in 1826, The GlenDronach was one of the very first licensed distilleries. He was a pioneer of sherry cask maturation and would have celebrated today’s superb The GlenDronach, maturing our whisky in the finest Pedro Ximenez and Oloroso sherry casks.

The GlenDronach is of true Highland style: a heavy and robust spirit, perfect for a long maturation period in sherry casks. They are renowned as the masters of sherry cask maturation, and their Highland whiskies are recognised for their deep color and rich flavour profiles, which range from sweet fruity flavors, from the Pedro Ximenez casks, and dry and nutty notes, from the Oloroso casks.

Cask Type: completely in Oloroso sherry casks. ABV: 46%. Color: Bright deep gold & Tawny center

Nose
Sherry notes so thick you need a knife to cut them! There’s a hint of old rum in there too, with pineapple and brown sugar in tow. It’s rich and complex, and you know from that first waft that you’re going to be drinking something wonderful.

Palate
The palate is exceptional, a true Sherry bomb with all sorts of fruity, Sherry influences.  Christmas cake, rum again, chocolate-coated hazelnut, runny honey and a hint of Sauternes. Mouth feel is oily, rich, and luxurious. After a few drops of water- cereal & sherry on nose, heavy sherry on palate. Sweetens up with the water.

Finish
Very long and just seems to keep going with fresh blackcurrant, blueberry pancakes with a generous helping of maple syrup. It’s an excellent  malty, plummy, sherry cask finish.

Balance, Body & Feel
Allardice is is the best in the GlenDronach core range and delivers a wonderful experience across the senses. The aroma is sweet and complex with balancing touches of spice. The palate is the same but deeper with some nice cocoa notes and the finish pulls it home.