The GlenDronach 21 Year Old, known as Parliament, is a richly sherried Highland single malt matured in Oloroso and Pedro Ximénez sherry casks and bottled at 48% ABV. It is one of the distillery's most celebrated expressions and a benchmark for sherry cask whisky.
The name comes from the colony of rooks that has nested in the trees above the distillery for generations; a gathering of rooks is called a parliament, and the birds are said to have watched over GlenDronach since its founding. GlenDronach is famous for its devotion to Spanish sherry casks, and after 21 years the influence of Oloroso and PX is deep and luxurious.
On the nose come autumn fruits, notably blackberry and red plum, with Oloroso sherry and candied orange. The palate is built on Oloroso and bitter chocolate with cinnamon, allspice and nutmeg, full-bodied with smooth tannins, and the finish is long and lingering. The Pedro Ximénez casks add a sweeter richness, with dark chocolate and a touch of pepper.
The bottle is presented in a burgundy box with a hinged door, embossed with the GlenDronach name. It is a superb gift for a sherry cask devotee and a centrepiece for any Scotch collection.
Tasting Notes
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Nose: Blackberry and red plum, Oloroso sherry and candied orange.
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Palate: Oloroso and bitter chocolate with cinnamon, allspice and nutmeg; full-bodied with smooth tannins.
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Finish: Long and lingering.
Specifications
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Producer: The GlenDronach
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Style: Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky
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Expression / Batch: Parliament
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Age: 21 years
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Proof / ABV: 96 proof (48% ABV)
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Cask / Finish: Oloroso and Pedro Ximénez sherry casks
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Region: Highlands, Scotland
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Size: 700ml
How to Enjoy It
Pour it neat into a nosing glass and allow it to breathe; a drop of water lifts the dark fruit. It pairs beautifully with dark chocolate, Christmas cake or a fine cigar, and makes a superb gift for a 21st birthday or a sherry lover.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is GlenDronach 21 called Parliament?
A gathering of rooks is called a parliament, after the rooks that nest above the distillery.
What casks is it matured in?
Oloroso and Pedro Ximénez sherry casks.
What proof is GlenDronach 21?
It is bottled at 48% ABV, or 96 proof.
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