“GlenDronach Tangerine”
Country: Scotland
Region: Eastern Highlands
Brand: GlenDronach Octarine
Type: Single Malt Whisky
Age: 8 Years
ABV: 46%
Sample Provided By: Marcus, Germany. Many Thanks!
Colour: Copper
Nose: An initial Wave of Citrus including Nectarine, Tangerine, Orange and Lemon is followed by Dried Fruits like Apricot and Raisins, Canned Pineapple, Almonds, Hazelnuts, White Chocolate, light Vanilla, Cherries, Cinnamon, lightly Charred Oak, Marshmallow, Strawberry Preserve, Wood Polish and Straw. It's quite a Nose for an 8 Years Old Single Malt. I believe there's a trace of Sulphur noticeable. And, unfortunately, the Alcohol is not fully integrated.
Palate: Young, Medium Sweet, Herbal and Dry. Again, there is lots of Citrus like Tangerine, Orange and Lemon. I also find Marzipan, Milk Chocolate, Sherry, Toffee, Butterscotch, Almonds, Hazelnuts, Ginger, Cinnamon and Pepper. The ABV of 46% is perfect but the Spirit would have benefited from a few extra Cask years.
Finish: Middle Long, Sweet at first but Dry and slightly Bitter towards the end. I find Almonds, Creme Brulee, Butterscotch, Peanut Butter, Tangerine, Lemon, Pepper, Cinnamon, Ginger and Licorice.
With a bit of Water the Nose gets more Vanilla, Malt, Apricot Preserve and Honey. Despite the added Water, the Alcohol is still too much present. On the Palate and in the Finish, Toffee and Butter become quite noticeable. I suggest you try it out both ways!
Rating: 82.5
Nose: 21.5 - Taste: 20.5 - Finish: 20 - Overall: 20.5
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General Remarks: The GlenDronach Distillery was founded in 1826 in Forgue (Aberdeenshire). It was sold in 2005 by Pernod-Ricard to the owners of the BenRiach Distillery (Billy Stewart and partners). The GlenDronach Octarine (Colour of Magic) was launched in 2010/2011, initially only for the Carrefour Supermarket Chain. But it didn't take long before it was widely available. It matured in a mix of Ex-Bourbon, Ex-Oloroso and Ex-PX Casks. Prices vary in general between 45 and 60 US Dollars.
Drinking Experience Neat: Good
Conclusion: The Nose of the GlenDronach Octarine is astonishingly diverse for an 8 Years Old Single Malt. Certainly the result of the variety of Wood used to mature this whisky. Unfortunately, this mature density is not maintained on the Palate and the Finish is a tad Bitter. Still, if you like Sherried Speysiders and are not allergic to Citrus Fruit, the GlenDronach is a great alternative given its very good Price/Quality Ratio.
Jan van den Ende October 19, 2014
