When it comes to sherry matured whisky, Glendronach has been the brand to beat for quite some time now. Especially the (temporarily) discontinued Glendronach 15 Years Old Revival is revered, but they have more to offer. Like the Glendronach 18 Years Old Allardice.
The Allardice has spent all of its time maturing in Oloroso sherry casks, just like its younger brother. This whisky is named after James Allardice (although sources say his name was actually Allardes), the man who founded Glendronach distillery way back in 1826.
Glendronach 18 Years Old Allardice (46%, OB, 2013)
Nose: Big and bold. Sherry galore. Dense and thick. Cherry liqueur, brambles, and feint espresso notes. Sultanas, milk chocolate and caramel too. A thin layer of sulphur (some rubber/gunpowder).
Taste: The palate feels a bit more balanced. Prunes, raisins, chocolate. Oh, and cappuccino too. Some sour grapes, giving it a fair amount of acidity, which isn’t too bad, but doesn’t really add anything either.
Finish: More of the same. Medium to long in length.
Rating: 87
Good, but not great. Not to say that I’d ever say no to someone offering me a dram, because this is a well-crafted, Oloroso sherry matured monster.