Last Updated on: 9th April 2024, 12:37 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.
Discover the differences between GlenDronach 18 vs GlenDronach 21 In this in-depth comparison and decide which Single Malt is better for You!
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
GlenDronach 18 vs GlenDronach 21: Comparison
GlenDronach 18: Rich with sherry, caramel, and almond notes. Palate blends sherry with chocolate and orange zest. Finishes with tobacco and leather. A storied whisky offering depth and complexity.
GlenDronach 21: Opens with red fruit, leather, and chocolate. Palate features honey, caramel, and dark chocolate. Long finish with sherry and spice. A sherried delight that’s smooth and rich.
Verdict: Both GlenDronach 18 and GlenDronach 21 showcase exceptional maturation in sherry casks, offering distinct yet harmonious flavor profiles. The 18-year-old is notable for its balanced complexity, while the 21-year-old offers deep sherried richness and smoothness. Each expression offers a unique sipping experience, catering to enthusiasts of rich, sherried whiskies, states whiskey expert Neil Coleman.
Related: Best GlenDronach Whisky Bottles
GlenDronach 18: A Savory Dram with a Storied Past
- Nose: Sherry, caramel, almond
- Palate: Sherry, caramel, orange zest, almond, chocolate
- Finish: Tobacco, leather
- Alcohol content: 92 proof (46% ABV)
- How to drink: Neat
Intriguing History:
Whisky enthusiasts often enjoy sharing interesting stories behind their favorite drams. GlenDronach 18 boasts a unique tale. Legend has it that its founder, James Allardice, gifted his newly created whisky to women in Edinburgh’s red-light district, sparking a buzz that propelled its popularity.
Whether fact or creative marketing, the story adds an intriguing layer to this whisky’s legacy.
Aromatic Introduction:
On the nose, GlenDronach 18 presents inviting aromas reminiscent of sherry, caramel, and a hint of almond, hinting at the flavors to come.
Flavorful Journey:
The first sip reveals a delightful interplay of flavors, featuring orange zest and a touch of bitter chocolate. This complexity continues into the finish, which lingers with warming notes, hints of tobacco, and subtle impressions of old leather.
Well-Rounded Experience:
GlenDronach 18 is a well-regarded whisky, offering a smooth, full-bodied, and flavorful profile. It’s perfect for sipping and savoring, allowing you to appreciate its intricate character.
This expression is considered a solid and well-rounded choice, providing an enjoyable and thought-provoking experience at a comparable value to the Macallan 18 Sherry Oak.
Additional Notes:
- Matured exclusively in Oloroso sherry casks, contributing to its rich flavor profile.
- Awarded a Silver medal at the 2013 International Wine & Spirits Competition.
- Presented unfiltered and free of artificial coloring, showcasing the whisky’s natural character.
- “Gleann Dronach” translates to “valley of the brambles” or “valley of the blackberries,” reflecting the distillery’s location.
GlenDronach 21: A Rich and Smooth Sherried Single Malt
- 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
Enticing Aroma:
GlenDronach 21 greets you with a captivating nose, dominated by aromas of red fruit, aged leather, oak, and hints of chocolate.
Balanced Sweetness:
On the palate, it presents a delightful balance between the prominent sweetness of honey and caramel, complemented by notes of dark chocolate and baking spices. The high 46% ABV (alcohol by volume) translates to a satisfying warmth, further enhancing the flavor experience.
Long-Lasting Finish:
The finish is long-lasting, leaving lingering impressions of sherry and dark chocolate, solidifying its sherried character.
A Sherry Lover’s Delight:
This expression is highly appreciated by enthusiasts of sherried whiskies. GlenDronach 21 offers a perfect harmony of richness derived from its Pedro Ximenez sherry cask maturation, complex flavors, and a surprisingly smooth mouthfeel despite its higher alcohol content.
Additional Notes:
- GlenDronach 21 matures for at least 21 years in a combination of Oloroso and Pedro Ximenez sherry casks, contributing to its distinct flavor profile.
- This expression is presented unfiltered and free of artificial coloring, allowing the natural character of the whisky to shine through.
- The name “Parliament 21” is a nod to a group of rooks (birds) that reside near the GlenDronach distillery.
- The brand is currently owned by Kentucky-based Brown-Forman, known for Jack Daniel’s, Old Forester, and Woodford Reserve, among others.
Price comparison
Prices are approximate and stated in USD:
| Whisky | Price |
| GlenDronach 18 | $200 |
| GlenDronach 21 | $320 |