After GlenDronach’s UK exclusive cask #4681, released Christmas 2011, The Whisky Exchange decided to buy the sister cask #4682 and keep the whole cask for themselves. The spirit was distilled on November 8th 1995 and bottled just a few days ago.

GlenDronach 17 yo 1995 (56,6%, OB for The Whisky Exchange 2013, Pedro Ximenez puncheon #4682, 631 btl.)

Nose: sticky sherry with black cherry preserve up front. Blackberries and raisins. Christmas cake. Figs. Mendiants. Also meaty hints (mince pie or oxtail broth) in the background. The darker, savoury side of GlenDronach, rich and rather heavy. Mouth: again a deep start, showing dark chocolate brownies, toffee and spicy notes (cinnamon, pepper). Sticky dates and hints of balsamic. Pretty dry: walnuts, liquorice and light tannins. Also a brighter note of orange liqueur. Finish: medium long and spicy. Dried fruits, clove, toasty notes and a hint of mint.

Summer’s still far away, so it’s fine to have this kind of winter whisky. A sherry bomb that may be slightly over the top for me, with the meaty hints on the nose and the oak on the palate, but it’s a good example of this style, so it will be popular nonetheless. Available from TWE for around € 80.

Score: 85/100