A beautifully sherried Highland malt, GlenDronach 12-Year-Old delivers rich dried fruits, warm spice, and creamy textureanchored by the distinct influence of Pedro Ximnez and Oloroso sherry casks. Its a delightful balance of indulgence and elegance, offering excellent value for its depth.

Background & Maturation

• Origin: Distilled at Glasgows GlenDronach distillery, established in 1826 in the heart of the Highlands. Known for floor-malted barley and traditional pot stills, the house emphasizes unashamedly sherry-rich expressions.

• Aging: Matured exclusively in Pedro Ximnez and Oloroso sherry casks for at least 12 years. This expression is bottled at 43% ABV, nonchill-filtered, and naturally colored.

Tasting Notes

Color
Rich amber to red-goldvisually inviting.

Nose
Warm and oak-kissed, offering autumnal aromas: smooth chocolate praline, gingerbread, sun-dried raisins, and ripe orchard fruit.

Palate
A plush and layered entrycaramelized bramble, silky orange, and sultana. The sweet sherry influence gives way to warming spices like clove and gingerbread, along with vanilla and milk chocolate notes.

Finish
Comforting and medium in length, finishing with nut brittle, toffee, and gentle cocoa-spice glow.

Overall Impression

GlenDronach 12-Year-Old is a well-crafted sherry cask-forward single malt that remains balanced and approachable. It avoids being overly sweet, blending fruity richness with nuanced spiciness and a polished, silky body. Its a great entry into sherried whisky and solid value for its quality.

Reviewer Insights

• The Whisky Study rated it 92, praising its gentle explosion of flavor gingery, chocolate, orchard fruit, and delicate spice.

• Whisky Wash called it a modern classic of sherry cask Scottish single malt, noting golden raisin, chocolate orange, hazelnuts, pastry, and dried apricot.

• Master of Malt described rich cereals, caramelized sugar, struck match, raisin, clove, maple syrup, pain au chocolat, and nut brittle.

• Tastings.com (91 points) highlighted leather, stone fruit, figs, honey-roasted cashews, baking spices, and a medium-length, elegant finish.

• Reddit reviewers noted crisp red fruits, spiced orange, apricot jam, spice medley, and what some called sherry bomb intensityperfect for fans of richly sherried drams.

Summary Table

Feature Description ABV 43% Cask Type PX & Oloroso sherry casks Nose Raisin, praline, gingerbread, dried fruits Palate Caramel, orange, sultana, spices, chocolate Finish Nut brittle, toffee, warm spice Style Rich, sherried, smooth, medium-bodied Value Outstanding for its quality and price

“Matured for at least 12 years in a combination of Pedro Ximnez and Oloroso sherry casks and bottled at 43% ABV with natural color, this Glendronach classic delivers a rich amber-red appearance. Bold sherried autumn fruits, chocolate, and gingerbread dominate the nose, while the palate offers caramelized bramble, silky orange marmalade, and sultana sweetness wrapped in warming spice.” Top 10 Scotch Whiskies Under $60 (2025 Edition), The Whisk(e)y Wash

43% ABV, 750 ml

“Deep aromas of roasted macadamia nuts and walnuts mingle with baked pear tart, with buttery scones and spice cake. The palate is round and balanced, with date-like malt notes, cask spices of nutmeg and allspice, and a roasted apple note at its core.”96 Points 2022 Ultimate Spirits Challenge

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