The GlenDronach Port Wood Single Malt Whisky

A little background

The GlenDronach Port Wood is a single malt whisky that was inspired by the rich history of importing casked port into Scotland during the 19th century. According to the brand, The GlenDronach Distillery was established in 1826 by founder James Allardice, at a time when both sherry and port were ‘de rigueur’, with the finest port pipes traveling along Portugal’s Douro River, destined for the wine cellars of Scotland’s high society. This whisky is produced by master craftsmen using the same time-honored methods passed down through generations for almost two hundred years.

The GlenDronach Port Wood has been matured in the distillery’s signature Pedro Ximénez and Oloroso sherry casks, followed by a second maturation in some of the finest port pipes from the majestic Douro Valley in Portugal. This single malt whisky is bottled at 46% ABV without chill-filtration and has a suggested retail price of $90 USD.

(Tasted neat from a Glencairn Glass)

Color

Mahogany

Nose

Deep bitter chocolates, pancake batter, candied oranges, coffee, carmel, toffee, ginger, nuts, and raisins. Wonderfully complex and a delight for the nose!

Palate

The palate is thick and rich and full of layers. Notes of raisins, chocolate, oak, peaches, and orange cream fill the palate.

Finish

The finish is very long-lasting and leaves the mouth coated with flavors of dusty cocoa, raisins, dried oak, orange, toffee, and chocolate malt.

In closing

The GlenDronach Port Wood is a beautiful single malt whisky that has just the right amount of influence from its second maturation in port pipes. The nose and palate are quite unique and deep with complex flavor. The finish is enjoyably long and leaves the palate coated in wonderful flavors that leaves you begging for another sip. The GlenDronach Port Wood is a stunning dram and priced quite fair at just $90 USD.

NOTE: The sample used for this review was provided at no cost courtesy of The GlenDronach Distillery. We thank them for the sample and for allowing us to review it with no strings attached.