Glendronach Peated Whisky Review/Tasting

Physical Whisky Characteristics

Origin: Glendronach Distillery, Highland, Scotland.
Type: Peated Single Malt Scotch Whisky.
Distillation & Maturation: Distilled using peated malted barley, a departure from Glendronach's traditional non-peated character. Matured initially in bourbon casks, followed by a second period in Oloroso and Pedro Ximénez sherry casks.
Age Statement: No specific age statement, but inferred to be younger than 8 years based on the absence of an age label and the comparison to a previously tasted 8-year-old Healan.
Color & Clarity: Described as having a warm brown color and a vivid harvest gold appearance.
Bottle Design: Not specifically described, but the label provides information about the whisky's unique characteristics and maturation process.

Balance of Flavors: A complex interplay between the peat's smokiness, the sweetness and fruitiness from the sherry casks, and the whisky's inherent citrus and malt notes.
Unique Characteristics: The whisky showcases a delicate peat influence that complements rather than overwhelms the classic Glendronach Highland character and rich sherry notes. The flavor profile includes ripe gooseberries, cinnamon sugar, crisp citrus, smoldering charred wood, vanilla toffee, vibrant oak spices, floral heather honey, rose hips, barley sugars, white pepper, and a gentle peat smoke.
Comparison: While not directly compared to other whiskies, the Glendronach Peated is noted for adding a dimension of peat to the distillery's portfolio without resorting to the extreme peatiness found in some other distilleries' offerings.

Anecdotes & Trivia: The Glendronach Peated pays homage to the historical use of peat for drying malted barley in the distillery's early days. The efficiency of peat usage has significantly improved over time, contributing to the cost of peated whisky. The master distiller, Billy Walker, is credited with bringing diverse maturation practices to Glendronach, similar to those at BenRiach.

Historical Context: The whisky reflects a nod to the traditional practices of the Highland region, where peat was an abundant and cost-effective fuel for drying barley. The use of peat, combined with maturation in sherry casks, ties the whisky to both the geographical and historical identity of Glendronach.

"The subtle peat notes in this intriguing expression complements the classic Glendronach Highland character and the rich sherry notes drawn from the wood." - Horst Luening, emphasizing the balanced integration of peat.
"It's quite young, it's quite straight, and I would say it's between five and seven years... youngness always goes good with peatiness." - Luening, on the whisky's age and the role of peat.

Glendronach Peated is a peated single malt Scotch whisky, diverging from the distillery's usual non-peated style.
Matured in bourbon and then Oloroso and Pedro Ximénez sherry casks, offering a complex flavor profile.
The whisky is younger than 8 years, with a delicate peat influence that complements its Highland and sherry cask characteristics.
Pays homage to historical peat usage at Glendronach, with improved efficiency in modern peat use highlighted.
Described as having a straightforward yet complex taste, suitable for those appreciating a nuanced peat presence without overwhelming smokiness.

Peat Enthusiasts Looking for Subtlety: Ideal for whisky drinkers who enjoy peated expressions but prefer a more nuanced and balanced peat influence.
Sherry Cask Fans: Those who appreciate the rich sweetness and complexity imparted by sherry cask maturation will find the combination of peat and sherry cask flavors intriguing.
Newcomers to Peated Whisky: Given its approachable level of peatiness and the underlying sweetness, this whisky serves as a gentle introduction to peated Scotch for beginners.