GlenDronach 14yo Virgin Oak – 46% abv

Info: This is a re-release of the critically-acclaimed 14YO Virgin Oak first issued in July 2010. It’s bottled at 46% abv, non chill filtered and with natural colour. Matured initially in European Oak casks and then finished in Virgin Oak casks.
Colour: Fully golden, with hints of orange rust.
Nose: There’s a good grippy nose to this, which very quickly shows off those virgin notes, with hints of what you might expect from a bourbon whiskey. There’s a light bouncy, sweet toffee note, with hints of melon and ripe banana.
Palate: Thick and oily, with spices which build fairly quickly. Packed full of flavours, the virgin oak not dominating instead being well integrated along with malt, oak and fruits.
Finish: The finish is really warming on your chest, and leaves a saliva inducing sweetness in your mouth along with some spices which also stick around for ages.
Thoughts: Well thought out whisky which has enough traditional elements to make it recognisable, yet a twist of virgin oak to pep it up and give it some new directions. I really like it, but I’m not sure if I’d personally enjoy it right to the end of a bottle (but you may!).
Available: Master of Malt – £49.95

Thanks to GlenDronach for the sample.

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