Description
Glendronach Ode to the Embers 700ml is a lightly peated Highland single malt Scotch whisky from The GlenDronach distillery in Aberdeenshire. The barley was dried using local Highland peat from Aberdeenshire, and the whisky was matured in a combination of Oloroso and Pedro Ximénez sherry casks. It is bottled at 48.4% ABV without an age statement, non-chill filtered and with natural colour.
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The GlenDronach was founded in 1826 by James Allardice in the Valley of Forgue, making it one of the older working distilleries in the Highlands. Its reputation rests on rich, fruit-forward spirit and long experience with sherry casks, especially Oloroso and Pedro Ximénez, which give its whiskies their dark colour and dried fruit depth.
Most GlenDronach releases are unpeated, so Ode to the Embers is an unusual one for the distillery. Using Highland peat rather than the maritime peat found on Islay gives a softer, earthier smoke that sits alongside the sherry fruit instead of covering it. The higher bottling strength and non-chill filtration keep plenty of texture and flavour in the glass.
Pour it neat in a tulip glass and give it a few minutes, then try a few drops of water to open up the fruit and spice. Serve it after dinner with dark chocolate, a sticky date pudding or a smoked cheese.
- Lightly peated Highland single malt from The GlenDronach
- Matured in Oloroso and Pedro Ximénez sherry casks
- Bottled at 48.4% ABV, non-chill filtered, natural colour
On the nose there is cinnamon-spiced toffee, apple and caramelised walnut brittle with flamed orange and a wisp of smoke. The palate brings raisin, honeyed walnut, bramble and smoked chocolate fudge, with baking spice in the background. The finish is long, with dark chocolate, dried orange peel and a faint note of pipe tobacco.
Big, punchy flavours sit on a fairly light body, so the whisky stays balanced rather than heavy.
A strong choice for sherry-cask whisky fans who want to try gentle smoke, and a fine gift for a single malt lover.
