Glendronach 1971 Single Cask Batch 11 43yo Pedro Ximenez Sherry Puncheon #2920 48.6% 700ml

The Glendronach 1971 Single Cask Batch 11 is a magnificent 43-year-old whisky, matured in a single Pedro Ximenez puncheon, making it the oldest release in Glendronach's single cask series. Distilled on February 25, 1971, and bottled in November 2014, this exquisite whisky exemplifies the craftsmanship and legacy of the renowned Highland distillery, known for its traditional use of sherry casks. On the nose, it offers a robust combination of rich prune syrup, blackberry jam, and dunnage characters, complemented by mocha and a dusting of cinnamon. The palate is an intense journey of flavors, boasting treacle toffee, sour plums, roasted coffee, leather, tobacco, toasted walnut, and date back notes, achieving a perfect balance. The GlenDronach distillery, founded in 1826, is located in Forgue near Huntly in the Highlands of Scotland. With nearly 200 years of history, it stands as one of the oldest distilleries in the Highlands, celebrated for its traditional aging process using sherry casks. The distillery primarily employs sherry casks from renowned bodegas in southern Spain, specifically Jerez de la Frontera and Sanlucar de Barrameda. This single cask whisky spent over four decades in a Pedro Ximenez Sherry Puncheon, contributing to its unparalleled depth and complexity. As part of the Single Cask Whisky series, Batch 11 was launched in January 2015, and this 43-year-old single cask whisky was the oldest release from this batch, with only 523 bottles produced. At 48.6% ABV and a size of 700 ml, this is a rare and remarkable whisky.

FAQs

• What makes the Glendronach 1971 Single Cask Batch 11 unique?

  This whisky is unique due to its age of 43 years and its maturation in a single Pedro Ximenez Sherry Puncheon. It is the oldest release in Glendronach's single cask series.

• How many bottles were produced?

  Only 523 bottles of this rare whisky were produced, making it a highly sought-after collector's item.

• What is the alcohol by volume (ABV) of this whisky?

  The Glendronach 1971 Single Cask Batch 11 has an ABV of 48.6%.

• When was it distilled and bottled?

  This whisky was distilled on February 25, 1971, and bottled in November 2014.

Tasting notes

• Aroma: rich prune syrup, blackberry jam, dunnage characters, mocha, cinnamon, polished furniture, old leather, white raisins, orange, tinned peach, vanilla, faint wood smoke
• Taste: treacle toffee, sour plums, roasted coffee, leather, tobacco, toasted walnut, dates, orange liqueur, dried fruits, beeswax, cinnamon, pepper
• Finish: long, pleasant, balanced, not too bitter, cinnamon, honeyed and waxed malt, raisins, oranges, cocoa, walnut, wood, oak
• Overall: This whisky presents a complex and balanced profile, showcasing its long maturation in a Pedro Ximenez Sherry Puncheon. The nose, palate, and finish blend harmoniously to offer a rich, multi-layered experience marked by dark fruits, spices, and subtle wood notes.

Reviewer's opinion

This Glendronach 1971 Single Cask Batch 11 is a remarkable dram, epitomizing the elegance and depth that come with prolonged aging in sherry casks. The symphony of flavors and aromas is masterfully orchestrated, making it one of the finest whiskies I've had the pleasure of tasting. Its complexity and balance speak volumes about the distillery's expertise and dedication to their craft. Truly a gem worth savoring.