I’ve reviewed a couple of outstanding Malts of Scotland bottlings for The Whisky Dreamers. Recently there was another one of these Rare Casks, this time bottled as Frank’s Personal Choice. It’s referring to Frank Leyens of Vinothek Massen in Luxembourg, a whisky walhalla with interesting selections and often good prices thanks to the local tax policy.
Frank is a Glendronach aficionado, so he picked a Glendronach 1994 from the warehouses of Malts of Scotland.
GlenDronach 31 yo 1994 – Frank’s Personal Choice (53,5%, Malts of Scotland ‘Rare Casks’ 2025, 108 btl.)
Nose: quite a round and fruity style. Lots of blackcurrants, along with raspberry jam, apricot tartlets, cranberry juice and subtle hints of marmalade. Very opulent, with a nice dose of polished oak and even a little bit of cognac rancio. Then hints of marzipan, sultanas and stewed apples. I love that it’s not all dark sherry – there’s a lovely bright sparkle to it.
Mouth: again quite aromatic and shiny, with polished oak and bright fruity notes alongside darker elements. There’s dark chocolate, some black pepper and cinnamon. The most beautiful part is the mix of redcurrants, candied oranges, raspberries, fresh plums and cranberries. Subtle leather, cedar and proper old Oloroso.
Finish: long, on oak spice, chocolate, with lingering berry notes.
Certainly the best 1994 I’ve tried so far from Glendronach. Simply the kind of sherry we adore, full of shiny brightness, rich fruits and all the expected markers. Sold out, I’m afriad.