Last Updated on: 23rd April 2024, 04:54 pm
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.
With the assistance of Scotch expert Neil Coleman and valuable customer insights, I have reviewed and ranked every GlenDronach release and determined which is the best.
Written by: J Highland
Choosing the Best GlenDronach
For the Peaty Scotch Lover (Looking for Something Unique):
- GlenDronach Peated: A surprising twist with light peat smoke, prunes, figs, vanilla, and a touch of black pepper. Lighter smoke than Islay whiskies but still interesting.
For the Sherry Lover:
- GlenDronach 12: Award-winning with a strong sherry influence thanks to Oloroso and Pedro Ximenez casks. Offers a creamy body, caramel, dried fruit, and a long finish with sherry. Perfect neat.
- GlenDronach Revival 15: A delightful symphony of flavors with figs, cookie dough, apple, pear, berries, and a touch of spice. Lighter bodied but rich in flavor. Good value for the price.
- GlenDronach 18: Rich sherry notes take center stage with hints of caramel, almond, orange zest, and chocolate. Full-bodied and smooth, a great value compared to similar options (Macallan 18).
- GlenDronach Parliament 21: For serious sherry lovers. Offers complex flavors with red fruit, leather, dark chocolate, baking spice, and a long sherry finish.
For Someone Who Wants a Classic GlenDronach Experience:
- GlenDronach 12: While also sherry-forward, it offers a good starting point for the GlenDronach profile with its sweetness and easy-drinking character.
Additional Tips:
- Consider your budget – GlenDronach whiskies range in price with the older expressions costing more.
- Experiment with different ages to find your preferred level of complexity.
- A little water can help open up the flavors, especially in younger expressions.
- Enjoy responsibly!
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.
Quick Look at the GlenDronach Range
Prices are approximate and stated in USD:
| Whisky | Price |
| GlenDronach Peated | $70 |
| GlenDronach 12 | $55 |
| GlenDronach 15 | $105 |
| GlenDronach 18 | $200 |
| GlenDronach 21 | $320 |
GlenDronach Peated: Unexpected Smoke Meets Sherry (Light & Unique)
- Nose: Peat, prunes, figs, vanilla
- Palate: Smoke, pepper, caramel, sherry
- Finish: Short, caramel, tobacco
- Alcohol content: 92 proof (46% ABV)
- How to drink: Add water
GlenDronach Peated offers a surprising twist. The nose starts with gentle peat, then transitions to prunes, figs, and vanilla. The palate is light but not thin, offering a touch of smoke and black pepper, followed by hints of caramel and sherry. The finish is short with caramel, tobacco, and a touch of warmth.
This unique expression stands out in the GlenDronach line. Lighter smoke than Islay whiskies, it satisfies peat lovers while retaining the signature GlenDronach sherry notes, states whiskey expert Neil Coleman.
GlenDronach 12: Sherry Star in a 12-Year-Old Dram (Award-Winning)
- Nose: Caramel, honey, apple
- Palate: Vanilla, caramel dried fruit
- Finish: Oak, dried fruit, sherry
- Alcohol content: 86 proof (43% ABV)
- How to drink: Neat
GlenDronach 12 shines among 12-year-old whiskies.
The nose is rich with toffee, honey, and a hint of apple. The palate is creamy and full-bodied, offering upfront caramel and vanilla followed by delightful dried fruit. The long finish has a subtle warmth and leaves a pleasant aftertaste of oak, dried fruits, and sherry.
This award-winning whisky boasts a strong sherry influence thanks to Oloroso and Pedro Ximenez casks. With no harsh notes and a delicious profile, it’s a fantastic introduction to sherry-aged whiskies and perfect neat.
GlenDronach Revival 15: Sherry Symphony (Light Body, Rich Flavor)
- Nose: Alcohol, figs, cookie dough, tobacco
- Palate: Apple, pear, berries, tobacco, coffee
- Finish: Medium, figs, clove, oak
- Alcohol content: 92 proof (46% ABV)
- How to drink: Add water
GlenDronach 15 offers a delightful symphony of flavors. A hint of alcohol on the nose gives way to figs, cookie dough, and tobacco. The palate is light but enjoyable, showcasing a complex mix of apple, pear, berries, tobacco, and coffee. The finish lingers with figs, clove, and a touch of oak spice, leaving a gentle warmth.
While a slight alcohol presence and lighter body could be drawbacks, the delightful flavors and pleasant warmth make this sherried whisky a good value for the price.
GlenDronach 18: Sherry Reigns Supreme (Great Value)
- Nose: Sherry, caramel, almond
- Palate: Sherry, caramel, orange zest, almond, chocolate
- Finish: Tobacco, leather
- Alcohol content: 92 proof (46% ABV)
- How to drink: Neat
GlenDronach 18 boasts rich sherry notes, a welcome change from oaky whiskies. The nose bursts with sherry, accented by caramel and almond. The taste echoes the aroma, gaining orange zest and a hint of chocolate. The finish lingers with warmth, tobacco, and old leather.
This 46% ABV gem avoids oak overwhelm, letting the rich sherry notes shine. Full-bodied, smooth, and perfect for savoring, it rivals pricier options at a great value.
GlenDronach Parliament 21: Sherry & Spice Harmony (For Sherry Lovers)
- Nose: Red fruit, leather, oak, chocolate
- Palate: Honey, caramel, dark chocolate, baking spice
- Finish: Long, dark chocolate, baking, spice, sherry
- Alcohol content: 96 proof (48% ABV)
- How to drink: Neat
GlenDronach Parliament 21 caters to sherry enthusiasts. Alluring red fruit aromas mingle with aged leather, oak, and chocolate. The palate showcases a delightful balance – honey and caramel sweetness dances with dark chocolate and baking spices. The finish is long and warm, lingering with sherry and dark chocolate.
This 21-year-old whisky gem offers complex flavors, surprising smoothness, and a richness that embodies the Pedro Ximenez sherry casks.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Criteria Were Used to Evaluate GlenDronach Whiskies?
- Expert Reviews: Feedback from Scotch critics.
- Taste Testing: Personal tasting experiences.
- Consumer Feedback: Opinions from Scotch lovers.
Is GlenDronach a Quality Whisky Brand?
- Yes, GlenDronach offers exceptional quality, often rivaling more expensive brands like Macallan, making it a valued choice for whisky enthusiasts.
What Sets GlenDronach Apart From Other Whisky Brands?
- GlenDronach provides an excellent balance of quality and price, standing on par with prestigious brands, offering a rich and complex flavor profile.
About the Distillery
- Location: Speyside region, Scotland.
- History: Established post-Excise Act of 1823, surviving challenges like fires and ownership changes.
- Notable Changes: Shifted from coal-fired to steam-heated stills, a significant move in Scotch production.
- Ownership: Currently owned by Brown-Forman, known for brands like Jack Daniel’s.
How Does GlenDronach Compare to High-End Brands Like Macallan?
- GlenDronach competes closely with high-end brands, offering similar quality and depth of flavor, often at a more accessible price point.