Glendronach Batch 9 Cask Strength Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

A strong sherry influence, hefty proof and an attractive price tag are features of what has become one of Glendronach’s trusty staples. Created to compete with the likes of Aberlour A'bunadh, the Batch releases showcase how Glendronach's heavy, oily spirit stands up to the rich characteristics derived from two kinds of sherry casks: Pedro Ximénez, which imparts sweet dried fruit flavours, and Oloroso which brings an off-dry dry nuttiness. The key is the balancing of the casks - hence these whiskies are known to vary from batch to batch and lend themselves to side-by-side tasting. Stewart Buchanan, Global Malts Ambassador for Brown Forman explains, "There’s huge variation within each style [of cask]... oloroso casks, for example, are slightly temperamental in that you never quite know what they’ll give you. Two vintages could give you a colour of tea or coca cola, but I love this variance because it gives Dr Barrie a wider palette to play with. If she wants to create a whisky that demonstrates more distillery character, she can go to the lighter side of the oloroso scale. That’s where the craft is in The GlenDronach cask strength batches, balancing the oloroso parts first and then understanding how the PX works to that foundation."

As with similar styles, we recommend you let these whiskies open up in the glass before enjoying them - often the longer the better. And no need to worry about the lack of an age statement - you’re getting a lot of whisky for the money. All come at natural cask strength without chill filtration, as was the custom before the turn of the 20th century. 

Batch 9 which debuted in 2021 almost breaches the 60% ABV mark - only surpassed by Batch 8 in the series at 61%. It has been described as a genuine Sherry bomb, summed up by Dr. Rachel Barrie who comments "It's incredibly rich and full-bodied; Add a drop or two of water to reveal a cornucopia of flavour; from treacle toffee and raisin-filled toasted brioche, to baked apple and bramble pie and star anise. This crescendos into a lingering dark chocolate, espresso coffee finish. The depth of this Highland Single Malt’s character is boundless.”

Notes from the producers... NOSE: Cocoa, liquorice root and baked orange on a base of sultana bread and crème brûlée. PALATE: Treacle toffee and raisin-filled toasted brioche crescendo to baked apple and bramble pie, butterscotch and star anise. CONCLUSION: Layers of richly roasted malt, and a lingering dark chocolate, espresso finish.