GlenDronach - new 15 & 18

[borgom]

Has anyone tried the new GlenDronach Revival and Allardice bottlings yet?
Any thoughts on quality, taste and similarity to other bottlings (if any)?

[vision*R]

I've tried the GlenDronach 15 years old. While I think it has some lovely old-style sherry notes (balsamic, coffee, raisins, plums), there is also something dirty to it (mushrooms, dirt bin). Some may call that off-notes, others will like it for being 'different' (hence the good review on Whiskyfun for example). I personally have difficulties with it. Let's just say it's not the cracking dram that it would have been without those dirty notes. But don't get me wrong: at this price, it would be difficult to find better sherry bottlings.

From what I hear, the 18 years old is worse and contains some plain sulphur.

I can't compare to the older bottlings.

[corbuso]

Hi,
I have indeed tried both of them.

http://www.whisky-news.com/En/tasting12.html#02Apr09 http://www.whisky-news.com/En/tasting11.html

Both are very well made whiskies, but I have found the 18 YO more complex and subtle. The quality of the sherry cask is excellent, and not too rubbery or sulphury.
If I dare to make a comparison, I would say that they are cleaner and slightly more peaty than a Glenfarclas, with some additional fruitiness too.
As always, it is a matter of taste, but I enjoyed the 18 YO very much. In addition, Glendronach is one of the few distillery with such a high proportion of sherry cask in their warehouse.
Corbuso

[borgom]

Really appreciate the feedback vision*R and corbuso, I'll have to try these even if it's just out of curiosity

[pkt77242]

Serge at whiskyfun did a review as well. the 15yo sounds very good.
http://www.whiskyfun.com/archivemarch09-2.html#310309

Sean