The Glendronach Single Cask 1993 #33 Aged 20 Years Selected and Bottled Exclusively for Abbeywhisky.com

Style: Intense Sherry Bomb

Rating: ☆☆ [Highly Recommended]

Nose:

It begins with a sharp spice attack, with Bird’s Eye chili, peppermint, cardamom, and cinnamon at the forefront. Beneath this initial layer lies a concentrated blend of dark red fruits. Blackcurrants and cherries are seasoned thoroughly with crushed black peppercorns. There’s a dense mix of cranberry juice and simmering dates, supported by brown sugar, five spice, and liquorice. The aroma is tight but also incredibly deep and dense.

Palate:

Once again, a very condensed burst of dark red fruits — cranberries, strawberries, and assorted currants is framed by tannic oak on both sides, with a coal fire undertone. The sweetness cascades and gradually transforms into Demerara syrup and vanilla malt. Prickling heat along the edges, with more earthy spices, nutmeg, cinnamon, and the slightest mineral brush woven into the core. Notes of orange peel, curaçao, and barley stack up towards the back.

Finish:

The sherry theme continues into a drying finish, with candied citrus coming through, along with red fruits and black tea that leave a lasting impression. It’s aromatic and highly enjoyable.

Thoughts:

This is one of the highly regarded 1993 Glendronach expressions, and the collective batch has sparked a craze for this vintage that lasted a decade. It’s easy to see why — this whisky embodies the true essence of a sherry bomb, with intense and concentrated dark red fruits in abundance. It offers endless layers of mahogany richness, allowing you to explore and enjoy while time seemingly stands still. That said, it does have some technical shortcomings, as the concentrated sherry and spice can be overwhelming for some. But boy, I guarantee this whisky is sure to shine like a star even in an advanced lineup.

[59.1% | 1993 Distilled | 2013 Bottled | Single Cask | 541 of 592 Bottles | Oloroso Sherry Butt | Cask Number: 33 | Cask Strength | **-]

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