Last Updated on: 9th April 2024, 12:40 am
J Highland
J Highland is a certified sommelier with 30 years in the liquor industry, owning a pub, a liquor store, and moonlighting as a spirits distiller.
Explore the distinctions between Glengoyne 21 and GlenDronach 21 in this head-to-head comparison to determine which Single Malt suits you best!
Quick Note: Running a pub and liquor store provides me ample access to various spirits, in addition, I moonlight as a spirits distiller. I assess them using customer feedback, expert opinions and online research.
Written by: J Highland
Glengoyne 21 vs GlenDronach 21: Comparison
Glengoyne 21: Offers a sherry-rich flavor with notes of ripe fruit, vanilla, and oak. No smoke, natural color, certified vegan. Award-winning.
GlenDronach 21 Parliament: Sherry sweetness with honey, caramel, and dark chocolate. Unfiltered, natural color, historical significance. Luxurious and complex.
Verdict: Glengoyne 21 and GlenDronach 21 Parliament both present a rich experience. Glengoyne emphasizes natural processes and a smoke-free taste. GlenDronach brings luxurious complexity and historical nods. Each has its appeal for lovers of deep, sherry-influenced malts, states whiskey expert Neil Coleman.
Related: Best 21-Year-Old Single Malts
Glengoyne 21: A Rich and Complex Sherry-Aged Single Malt
The Glengoyne 21 year old single malt Scotch stands out for its focus on sherry cask maturation, creating a whisky rich in flavor and complexity.
What to expect:
- Nose: An enticing aroma unfolds with notes of ripe fruit, vanilla sweetness, hints of orange peel, and subtle oak.
- Palate: The whisky delivers a pleasant mouthfeel with flavors of ripe fruit and vanilla, complemented by oak spice, orange peel, and a touch of zesty ginger.
- Finish: The medium-length finish offers a warming experience with rich baking spices, oak character, a hint of clove, and a slight peppery bite.
Beyond the Sip:
- Unique Maturation: Glengoyne 21 sets itself apart by using only first-fill sherry casks for the entire aging process, resulting in a deeper and more pronounced sherry influence.
- Natural Color & Quality: This whisky is free from artificial coloring and is certified vegan.
- Smoke-Free Style: For those seeking a single malt free from smoke influence, Glengoyne achieves this through air-drying their malted barley.
- Award-Winning Whisky: Recognized for its quality, the Glengoyne 21 received a Double Gold Medal at the 2014 San Francisco World Spirits Competition.
Glengoyne 21: Is it right for you?
If you enjoy rich and complex sherried whiskies, the Glengoyne 21 is a great choice to explore. Its unique maturation process and focus on natural ingredients contribute to a flavorful and intriguing dram. While the finish might have a touch more spice than some expect for a 21-year-old whisky, the overall experience offers a well-balanced and satisfying taste profile.
GlenDronach 21 Parliament: A Rich and Smooth Sherry-Cask Aged Single Malt
For sherry cask aficionados, the GlenDronach 21 Parliament stands out as a luxurious and well-rounded single malt Scotch whisky.
Tasting notes:
- Nose: Deep aromas unfold with a mix of red fruit, hints of old leather, oaky notes, and rich dark chocolate.
- Palate: A burst of sweetness from honey and caramel greets the palate, balanced by notes of dark chocolate and a wave of baking spices, creating a complex and satisfying flavor profile.
- Finish: The whisky lingers with a warm and pleasant aftertaste, featuring lingering hints of sherry and dark chocolate.
More than just the taste:
- Sherry Cask Maturation: This expression gets its rich character from aging in a combination of Oloroso and Pedro Ximenez sherry casks, renowned for imparting sweetness and depth.
- Authenticity in Every Bottle: The GlenDronach 21 Parliament is bottled unfiltered and free from artificial coloring, ensuring a pure drinking experience.
- A Touch of History: The name “Parliament” is a charming nod to a colony of rooks, or “parliament of rooks,” that resides near the GlenDronach distillery.
- Award-Winning Distillery: Owned by Kentucky-based Brown Forman, the GlenDronach distillery is known for its expertise in crafting exceptional sherry-matured whiskies.
GlenDronach 21 Parliament: Your Choice?
If you appreciate rich, complex sherried whiskies with a smooth and luxurious mouthfeel, the GlenDronach 21 Parliament is a perfect choice. While some might find it slightly less lively compared to their 18-year expression, it remains an exceptional single malt that showcases the mastery of GlenDronach’s sherry cask maturation.
Price comparison
Prices are approximate and stated in USD:
| Whisky | Price |
| Glengoyne 21 | $220 |
| GlenDronach 21 | $320 |