Similarly to distillery 13, Society Glendronach’s are always rooted in ex-bourbon maturation rather than OB sherry. As such, they’re always of interest. This example has spent a decade in a refill ex-bourbon hogshead.
Nose: Jelly sweets and lemon sherbet sit with cranberries and redcurrants. Further sweetness is derived from confectioners’ sugar and waffles whilst rose hips and verbena add a delicate floral aspect. Dilution adds an assortment of savoury aromas – pecan and cashew nuts alongside crumbled cream crackers.
Taste: Red berries and poached pears are livened with lemon peels and citric oils whilst rich tea biscuits are dusted in caster sugar and served with French crepe pancakes. Water adds gummy sweets and emphasises the refill ex-bourbon hogshead with white pepper and overt oakiness.
Finish: Medium to long with pepper and anise and expressive young oakiness.
Glendronach’s underlying naturally fruitiness comes through well here and sits nicely with the combination of sweet and savoury aromas and flavours – but, whilst it’s Ssmple and effective, there’s just a bit too much wood (particularly once reduced) for my liking.
Score: 83/100