Whisky Neighbour

With such a great sale going on in the Edmonton area at Safeway & Sobeys liquor stores for Dalmore, I thought I’d break out the only bottle I have and give it a taste. The Dalmore 15 is aged for most of it’s life in ex-bourbon casks then finished in ex-sherry. Instead of the usual oloroso sherry, Dalmore uses a combination of Matusalem, Apostoles and Amoroso sherry butts. I’m not sure how the combination works but it’s somewhere around 2 years in ex-sherry. I find this surprising as the scotch has certainly been heavily influenced by its time in ex-sherry. The nose is rich, with lots of dark almost leathery fruits. I find dark cherry or plum mostly and a deep citrus or orange in the background. This time I was surprised to find some chocolate too after leaving it in the glass a bit. The palate is rich too, but not as exciting as some. The fruits are drier and older, there is a little pepper in the mouth but not excessive and the orange comes through for me here too. The ...

I have not had a lot of GlenDronach yet, but if the 12 year old expression I picked up is a fair representation of the distillery, I should! This Scotch has spent it's whole life inside ex-sherry casks. This, of course, has a dramatic affect on it's character. I understand this to also be non-chill filtered and free from colouring. Two excellent features in entrance level Scotch! When I approach GlenDronach, I am immediatly greeted with a strong, deep fruity nose. Fruits like plums or dark cherries. This is quickly balanced with some oak or wood oil sents too. Inviting! Sipping is not as fruity as the nose. A bit spicy, some nice vanilla sweetness, and definitely chocolate. I find it has enough oil to feel coating, but not too chewy. The finish is fairly short, but has strong oak influence. Surprising for me, and actually helps keep the drink together. This is the first full bottle of GlenDronach I have had, and I am enjoying it. Another reviewer online said it tasted lik...