The GlenDronach distillery, established in 1826, is located in the Forgue valley, Aberdeenshire and is named after the source of its water; the Dronac burn.
The 18-year-old Allardice is named after the distillery’s founder, James Allardice. It’s matured completely in Oloroso sherry casks, and was originally released in 2009 after the distillery changed hands back in 2008.
Appearance: Lovely and dark, oak/walnut. Coats the glass completely, for a good few seconds, before legs appear and slowly make their way back to the surface
Nose: Quite high ethanol for 46%. It’s not outputting, if anything, it’s reassuring. Chocolate coated peanuts, cherries, milk bottle top cream, oranges, almonds. Some gentle spices: cinnamon, maybe slight allspice berries? Furniture varnish lingers in the background.
Reminds me of a traditional old hotel lounge, maturity and complexity abound.
Palate: Nice and oily, spicier than I’d have thought, with a fair amount of oak notes. There’s a butteriness, in both feel and taste, that does well to mellow the spices after a few seconds. The orange and spices are both evident, as well as the cherry. It’s reminiscent of raspberry ripple ice cream.
Finish: Butter cream and the spices continue. Medium in length.
Overall: I’d love to say it’s fantastic, as I’m a big Glendronach fan, but I preferred the 15yo revival if I’m completely honest.
There’s something missing from this, maybe it’s not quite bold enough?
I’ll happily finish it, but won’t buy another bottle
