Glendronach 15 Revival - She said...

SHE SAID:  "Do you have a bottle of Glendronach in your collection?", Linda asked me not long ago.  Glendronach, I thought quickly as I mentally scanned the 40 or so bottles I currently have opened?!  No, can't say as I do.  "Well, Jim Murray rates them quite highly so I was wondering if I should get one?."

One of the mandates of our society is education, and it is something I feel strongly responsible for as a member of the executive of the Saint John Whisky Tasting Society.  It is my duty to ensure I know as much about whiskies as I can.  This forces me to keep a very open mind about ALL whiskies.  I love that our members look up to Graham and me for suggestions or opinions on whiskies to purchase. So, I decided to take up Linda's question and researched, read, talked to a few people and decided that despite being a "Speyside", we should get a bottle and try it. Always say YES is my motto!

Absolutely no regrets.  I have several bottles of the Balvenie line, which is my most favourite of the Speysides.  Well move over, I think we have a new winner in this one.  I loved the Glendronach 15 so much,  that I noticed the 12 at the liquor store on Saturday and now I'm thinking the 15 shouldn't be left to feel so lonely in our collection.  Graham, we need to to buy the 12 to keep it company!   hehehe...


(I was a bit worried as I had a massive head cold when I nosed/tasted this, however...)

Color:  Deep golden amber, so deep it reminded me of a fresh cup of steeped Red Rose tea.  (Only in Canada, sorry my European friends!)  Although the legs are fairly close together, the whisky is somewhat viscous which caused the streams to stick to the glass and not flow so freely.

Nose:  As I expected, the nose is MASSIVE.  However, this was even bigger than I anticipated.  This whisky grabbed me by the nose and surrounded me fully with the aroma of a rich plum pudding that had just been doused with rum and set ablaze.  Stewed fruit like prunes, apricots and raisins.  Faint vanilla after it sat for awhile, not at the forefront, just sort of hanging out in the back hall so to speak.  Once I added a bit of water all I could smell was a delectable and light chocolate mousse.

Palate:  Fairly muted compared to the nose (no surprise for me, it's a Speyside) but so sweet my mouth watered.  Overwhelming chocolate covered raisins and sweet zesty orange.  Then after I swallowed, my mouth went dry, really dry and I was left with the feeling that I needed to brush my tongue.

Finish: Medium to long with a hint of vanilla again.  Reminded me of the feel I get after I've had a rich red wine.  The tannins drying effect seem to leave a "coating" behind.

Empty glass:  Suprisingly (being sarcastic), a sherry cork?!


If this bottle is available where you are, I recommend you buy it or consider it as a gift for anyone who loves the taste of whisky finished in Sherry!  This is going to be a great after supper, sitting on the boat at sunset dram that I will look forward to (even if it is a Speyside...  hehehe!)


On the lovely Speyside Whisky Trail!


Johanne