Glendronach 12 years

Score: 66

Glendronach 12 Year Old played a memorable role in the club’s second tasting, finishing 4th in a lineup that helped shape our early palate. Matured in a mix of Pedro Ximénez and Oloroso sherry casks and bottled at 43% ABV, it came in with full-bodied swagger and a bouquet that immediately won over the room. At first glance, Glendronach 12 presents itself as open-hearted, opulent, and beguiling—an instant charmer for sherry lovers. The nose is rich and sweet, offering honeyed raisins, dates, plums, and a soft nuttiness, with the PX influence dominating early on. This was the club’s first foray into full-bodied sherry monsters, and needless to say, it was a hit on the night. But for some, especially those newer to bold sherried styles, it proved slightly overwhelming—like diving into the deep end before learning to swim. Still, it left a lasting impression and set the tone for future tastings. Glendronach 12 may not have taken top honors, but it helped define what a sherry bomb could be: lush, expressive, and just a little bit theatrical. A dram that taught us early on that whisky could be both a drink and an experience.