Ex-bourbon Glendronach is a niche within a niche – but for those who enjoy the inherent qualities of the spirit which has considerable weight (which is usually why it pairs well with sherry), it’s always worth seeking out. And SMWS editions don’t tend to hang around all too long because of this.
Nose: Freshly woven cotton bandages and treated fabric plasters sit with break dust and suede, whilst peaches and cream and mango slices are dusted in nutmeg and joined by hillside flowers. And unusual, but entirely successful combination. Water presents a more vegetal aspect with ferns and brackens alongside lamp oil and graphite.
Taste: Bold, fatty, oily and greasy. Peach cobbler and balled melon sit with burnt tart cases and jelly baby sweetness, whilst ginger and cinnamon spicing are set against wet, alluvial soils and touches of fruity mint. Reduction retains the chewy body and introduces both orange and lemon gels, together with hessian and barley water.
Finish: Medium to long and combining everything before – fruits, oils, spices and distillate sweetness.
A texturally brilliant Glendronach that offers a vivid and wide-framed experience from start to finish. Quite divergent in places – but everything works together excellently. Recommended.