Experience a rare and smoldering expression of a Highland legend with The GlenDronach Ode to the Embers. This richly aromatic single malt is a fascinating departure from the distillery's traditional style, masterfully intertwining notes of Highland peat smoke with their signature, sherry-matured character. A tribute to the dying embers of a peat fire, this is a complex and captivating dram for the adventurous Scotch enthusiast. Find this unique release through our preferred online retail partner, Nestor Liquor.
This exceptional whisky is crafted from peated malted barley, a rarity for The GlenDronach. It is then matured in a combination of the distillery's finest Spanish oak casks. The blend is dominated by whisky from Oloroso sherry casks, which provide a dry, nutty, and spiced complexity, and then enriched with a portion from sweet Pedro Ximénez casks. Bottled at a robust 48.4% ABV, this is a full-bodied and unforgettable single malt.
Key Specifications:
Product: The GlenDronach Ode to the Embers Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Style: Peated Single Malt
Proof | ABV: 96.8 Proof | 48.4% ABV
Cask Maturation: A combination of Oloroso and Pedro Ximénez Sherry Casks
Distillery: The GlenDronach Distillery, Aberdeenshire, Scotland (Highlands)
Brand History: Masters of Sherry Cask Maturation
Founded in 1826 by James Allardice, The GlenDronach is one of Scotland's oldest and most revered distilleries. Nestled in the valley of Forgue in the East Highland hills, it has long been celebrated for its unwavering dedication to the art of sherry cask maturation. While famously known for their rich, unpeated whiskies, The GlenDronach occasionally releases peated expressions as a nod to the historic 19th-century practice of drying barley over peat fires. "Ode to the Embers" is a modern exploration of this historic style, perfectly marrying smoke with sherry.
Tasting Notes: A Symphony of Smoke and Sherry
The dual maturation in Oloroso and PX sherry casks combined with Highland peat creates a wonderfully rich and smoky tasting experience:
Nose: An inviting bouquet of smoldering embers and rich, earthy peat smoke, beautifully layered with notes of dark honey, dried figs, and a hint of orange peel.
Palate: A wonderfully full-bodied and complex palate. The initial taste is a wave of dark chocolate and treacle from the PX cask, which is perfectly balanced by the nutty, leather-like character of the Oloroso cask and a robust, earthy smoke. Notes of baked apple and clove emerge on the mid-palate.
Finish: The finish is exceptionally long and warming, with the sweet sherry notes and the earthy peat smoke lingering in perfect, delicious harmony.
Why 'Ode to the Embers' is a Must-Have:
A Rare Peated GlenDronach: This is a unique opportunity to experience a smoky expression from a distillery renowned for its unpeated, sherry-forward style.
A Masterclass in Sherry & Smoke: Perfectly balances the rich, sweet, and nutty notes of two types of sherry casks with the complexity of Highland peat.
A Collector's Gem: As a special, limited release, this bottle is a highly sought-after addition for fans of The GlenDronach and peated whiskies alike.
Perfectly Proofed: At 48.4% ABV, it is non-chill filtered, offering a richer mouthfeel and a more robust flavor experience than standard bottlings.
This is a whisky that pays tribute to the historic fires of the Highlands in the most elegant way possible. Contact Nestor Liquor today to inquire about securing a bottle of The GlenDronach Ode to the Embers.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q: I thought The GlenDronach was an unpeated whisky. Why is this one peated?
A: While The GlenDronach's core range is unpeated, they occasionally release limited-edition peated expressions. This is a nod to the historical 19th-century practice where nearly all Highland distilleries, including GlenDronach, would have used peat fires to dry their barley.
Q: What is the difference between Oloroso and Pedro Ximénez (PX) sherry casks?
A: Oloroso is a dry, nutty style of sherry, and the casks impart flavors of walnuts, dried fruit, and spice. Pedro Ximénez (PX) is an intensely sweet dessert sherry made from sun-dried grapes, and its casks impart rich notes of raisins, figs, and dark chocolate.
Q: How does Highland peat differ from Islay peat?
A: Highland peat is generally more earthy, woody, and floral, often described as a "bonfire" or "heather smoke." Islay peat, by contrast, is more maritime and medicinal, with notes of iodine and seaweed due to its coastal origins.
Q: Where can I purchase The GlenDronach Ode to the Embers?
A: This is a limited and sought-after release. We recommend contacting our preferred retail partner, Nestor Liquor, to inquire about their inventory and availability.
