New Release: GlenDronach 1993-2016 23 Year Old Official Whisky for The Whisky Hoop #826 55.1%

I was amazed by the overwhelming sense of intoxication beyond expectations. GlenDronach GLENDRONACH 1993-2016 23yo OB for THE WHISKY HOOP #826 55.1% one of 506 bottles, Oloroso Sherry Butt The aroma has refined strong sherry notes, berry jam and grape with skin squeezed, baked apple, American coffee or high-end sour chocolate, refined woodiness, spices like clove and cinnamon, faint leaf mold. When drinking, it has a slightly noble nuance in the sherry notes, aromatic, grape's not too sweet and sour juice-like flavor with a touch of acidity, the涩ness of its skin, high-end woodiness and faint leaf mold, medium-bodied elegance, a subtle intoxicating aftertaste. 【Very Good】 In June this year, members of The Whisky Hoop were informed about two official bottles of GlenDronach, from 1993 and 1994. It was said that they would be pre-sold to those who requested them, and then released generally after several months. Although the two types were intended to be releases focused on classic official, original and sherry, their image fits perfectly. I'll say upfront that both are excellent bottles. I tasted them side by side, starting with the darker 1993 first. As you can tell from the above high-tension tasting notes, it's very diverse and intoxicating. It resembles closely a bottling of the same vintage for Italian Beyaflour & Silver Seal, which I thought might have been matured in the legendary 1972 empty cask. It contains a seductive and elegant sherry cask aroma that I had only felt in old sherry casks, with elements like leather and earthy leaf mold deepening the flavor. It's a standout deliciousness that differs from a simple elegant sherry cask without off-flavors. The balance of sweetness, bitterness, and fresh acidity is also perfect. If I had to desire more, it would be body and longer aftertaste, but in that case the finish might be even more mature. Without those elements, the elegance of a medium-bodied whisky is showcased here. As I am involved with The Whisky Hoop bottling, my evaluation might slightly reflect personal sentiment (I'm aware of this and have tried to minimize it as much as possible). However, even without that consideration, I think this new release sherry cask is nearly close to a VG/E. Speaking of sherry casks, last year's Farclas 1989 was also excellent, but compared to that, Farclas for body and Dronach for elegance, both have an equally compelling charm. Currently, it's a remarkable bottle that I don't think you can ask much more from a new release sherry cask. I had heard it was good from sampling, but it completely surpassed my expectations in a positive way.