The GlenDronach Distillery has released Cask Strength Batch 9, the ninth limited edition release of its Cask Strength Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky. Matured in Pedro Ximénez and Oloroso sherry casks from Andalucía, the richly-sherried expression offers connoisseurs a deeper insight into the Highland distillery’s signature profile, by bottling the Whisky at its natural cask strength of 59.4%, to bring out the full character and depth of maturation.
With each Cask Strength release, Master Blender Dr. Rachel Barrie individually selects and combines the perfect marriage of Sherry casks before they are bottled at natural cask strength, as was custom before the turn of the 20th Century. The Pedro Ximénez casks impart rich, fruit flavours, while dry and nutty notes come from the Oloroso casks.
“The GlenDronach Cask Strength Batch 9 is incredibly rich and full-bodied; the result of years of slow maturation in Pedro Ximénez puncheons and Oloroso sherry butts,” said Barrie. “Add a drop or two of water to reveal a cornucopia of flavour; from treacle toffee and raisin-filled toasted brioche, to baked apple and bramble pie and star anise.This crescendos into a lingering dark chocolate, espresso coffee finish. The depth of this Highland Single Malt’s character is boundless.”
On the nose, the Scotch offers aromas of cocoa, liquorice root and baked orange on a base of sultana bread and crème brûlée. On the palate, treacle toffee and raisin-filled toasted brioche crescendo to baked apple and bramble pie, butterscotch and star anise. The finis delivers layers of richly roasted malt, and a lingering dark chocolate, espresso finish.
Priced at £72 ($100 USD), The GlenDronach Cask Strength Batch 9 will be available to buy from specialist retailers worldwide from February 2021 and in the United States from June 2021.
In December, The GlenDronach introduced Batch 18 of its Cask Bottling collection. The Highland distillery’s newly enhanced tasting bar will be the only location in the world where all eighteen bottles of Whisky will be available to try by the dram. In November, the distiller launched The GlenDronach Port Wood, a single malt scotch Whisky inspired by Douro Valley Port pipes.