Peated whisky is a divisive topic—some adore it, while others find it overwhelming. When I started drinking whisky, I could not appreciate the heavily peated drams. But as I explored more, I began to appreciate the earthy, smoky complexity they offer.
Tag: Brown-Forman Corporation Page 1 of 8
The Brown-Forman Corporation is one of the largest American-owned companies in the spirits and wine business. Based in Louisville, Kentucky, it manufactures several well known brands throughout the world, including:
Woodford Reserve bourbon whiskey
Jack Daniel’s Tennessee whiskey
BenRiach single malt whisky
GlenDronach single malt whisky
Glenglassaugh single malt whisky
Canadian Mist whisky
The GlenDronach 18 year old is one of the best sherry cask-aged drams I have tasted. As someone who enjoys whisky, this expression quickly secured a spot in my top 10 favourite drams. Intrigued by the prospect of even greater delights, I ventured into the GlenDronach 21 year old Scotch whisky realm, expecting an unparalleled sensory experience.
Unfortunately, it was not the experience I hoped for, so today, I do a GlenDronach 18 vs 21 year old single malt Scotch whisky side-by-side between these two releases to see why.
Situated near the Scottish Speyside town of Huntly, the GlenDronach distillery, founded in 1826 by James Allardice, has witnessed many different owners throughout its rich history. The distillery’s legacy evolved from Chivas Brothers to Charles Grant and William Teacher and Sons. To name but a few.
In 2008, under the ownership of BenRiach, a revival took place with the introduction of a visitors centre and the relaunch of the core range, featuring the 12 year old, 15 year old, 18, and the GlenDronach 21 year old releases. The innovative touch extended to the addition of a Peated expression.
In 2016, Brown-Forman acquired the GlenDronach distillery. The deal included BenRiach and Glenglassaugh distilleries.
GlenDronach 18 year old Whisky
Named after the distillery’s founder, James Allardice, the 18 year old GlenDronach whisky is a testament to the excellence of ex-oloroso Sherry cask maturation. This single malt was first released in 2009 and is a non-chill-filtered and natural colour.
GlenDronach 21 year old Whisky
The GlenDronach 21 year old whisky draws inspiration from the Parliament of Rooks nesting near the warehouse. It is aged in a mixture of Spanish Pedro Ximénez and Oloroso casks from Andalucía. The whisky is a non-chill-filtered single malt Scotch with a tapestry of flavours.
GlenDronach 18 vs 21 year old Whisky
| Glendronach 18 yo | Glendronach 21 yo |
|
|---|---|---|
| Region | Highland Whisky | Highland Whisky |
| ABV | 46% | 48% |
| Colour | Burnished mahogany | Polished amber |
| Nose | A big and rich sherry bomb. Christmas cake and fresh red berries. Chocolate covered cherries and fudge with bits of cinnamon, nuts and vanilla.A tropical note mixed with raisins and lemon peel. | Red fruit sweetness, creamy oak with bits of dark roasted coffee, an underlying ginger note mixed with bits of vanilla and orange. |
| Palate | Brandy soaked Christmas cake sweetness, chocolate-coated nuts, stewed fruits and allspice mixed with rich sherry. Overripe figs with bits of dried orange peel, vanilla, fresh cream and pepper. Adding water releases a bit more complexity in the dram. | Full-bodied and with a big mouthfeel, there are notes of bold sherry, dry oak, chocolate-covered cherries, red berries, cinnamon and pepper. In the background is the subdued sweetness of honey. A few drops of water softens the alcohol heat, but bring more pepper. It is a thick and oily dram. |
| Finish | Red berries and cinnamon sugar. Complex and long. | Long and lingering with notes of dry wood, cinnamon and lemon pepper. |
| My Rating | Divine | Excellent |
| Price | £ 138 | £ 185 |
The GlenDronach 18 year old captivates with sherry, Christmas cake, and chocolate-covered cherries. There are notes of figs, nuts and cinnamon. It is rich, chewy and delicious, with a wonderful balance between the sherry sweetness, vanilla and cinnamon spices and fruity notes. It is smooth and full-bodied.
On the other hand, the GlenDronach 21 year old introduces creamy oak, roasted dark coffee, and red berries. The spice profile leans towards cinnamon and pepper with hints of ginger. The 21 year old single malt has a rich, oily character.
In the comparison of the GlenDronach 18 vs 21 year old whisky, it is interesting to see that both expressions share red fruits and sherry notes, with a similar cinnamon spiciness. However, the GlenDronach 21 year old has more pepper, wood spice and chocolate notes than the 18 year old. It is delicious but not an easy-drinking whisky. It has more of a pepper bite to the finish.
The nose and the palate of the GlenDronach 18 year old is more complex. It has a more accessible and easy-drinking nature, coupled with bold and delicious characteristics. While the 21 year old showcases a refined elegance and restraint, the 18 year old remains my first choice, delivering a symphony of flavours that resonates with both connoisseurs and enthusiasts alike.
For those seeking the pinnacle of GlenDronach‘s sherry-cask magic, the 18 year old single malt is, in my opinion, the undisputed champion.
Also Read: Jameson vs Johnnie Walker Black Label Whisky
I looked through my social media for last year and noticed that quite a few of the bottles I tried during 2023 had green labelling. The colour unintentionally caught my eye, probably due to our move to the green island of Mauritius. Whatever the reason, it was a great excuse to start 2024 on a green note with the GlenDronach 15 yo Revival single malt Scotch whisky.
The story of GlenDronach began in 1826 when it was founded by a group led by James Allardes. The distillery was among the first to legally produce whisky under the Excise Act of 1823. The fifth Duke of Gordon played a significant role in encouraging the construction of GlenDronach, leading to its establishment.
GlenDronach, officially classified as a Highland malt, lies on the edge of the Speyside boundary. Over the years, the distillery changed hands multiple times. The owners included Walter Scott of Teaninich, Charles Grant, son of Glenfiddich’s founder, William Teacher and Sons, Allied Distillers, and Chivas Brothers.
Also Read: Glenbrynth Bourbon Cask Whisky
In 2008, BenRiach’s owners took over GlenDronach, investing £7 million in the distillery. New expressions, including a GlenDronach Peated, were introduced in 2015, showcasing the distillery’s innovative spirit.
However, in 2016, GlenDronach found a new home when the company was purchased by the renowned Jack Daniel’s producer, Brown-Forman, along with the rest of the BenRiach Distillery Company. This marked a significant chapter in GlenDronach’s history.
The GlenDronach 15 year old single malt was discontinued in 2015 due to stock shortages. However, much to the joy of whisky connoisseurs everywhere, it was re-released only 3 years later. The new edition was called Revival to celebrate the return of the release. The Revival Edition is matured in a combination of Pedro Ximénez and Oloroso sherry casks. It has a natural colour.
GlenDronach has become a favourite among Sherried malt enthusiasts and has garnered a considerable following in countries like Taiwan. I loved the GlenDronach 18 year old Scotch and have also tasted the 21 year old Parlement whisky.
GlenDronach 15 year old Revival Whisky Review
COUNTRY: Scotland
ABV: 46%
COLOUR: Polished bronze
NOSE: You can’t mistake the sherry cask maturation on the nose. Ripe plums and sultanas mixed with fig jam. Dark roasted coffee and red cherries with bits of cocoa. Toasted nuts in the background with light malt and oranges.
PALATE: Buttery pastry wrapped around figs and roasted apricots. There is a sherry sweetness with hints of wood and nuts mixed with bits of cloves and nutmeg. The roasted coffee nose from the nose is still here. Honey sweetness comes forward after adding a few drops of honey and brings vanilla notes to the front.
FINISH: A long and lingering finish that ends in notes of ripe plums, cinnamon and dried fruit.
RATING: EXCELLENT
What a lovely dram. This edition is a huge step up from the GlenDronach 12 year old whisky and probably my favourite after the 18 year old release. I personally think that it is better than the 21 year old edition. I have not tasted the older GlenDronach’s, so I can’t say if it is better, but I love what this distillery does with sherry casks.
When available, this release retails for around R1600 or around GBP 65. Worth adding to your collection.
Also Read: Macallan Quest Whisky
More side-by-side fun, and this time I am back comparing bourbons. Today I look at the Buffalo Trace vs Woodford Reserve bourbon whiskey. Comparing Saceraz vs Brown-Forman Corporation bourbon next to each other.
In the past I have done many side by side comparisons, the most resent when I compared the Maker’s Mark against the Woodford Reserve. As usual, we did it as a blind tasting to remove some bias.
But as always, comparing drams side by side is always fun and leads to discoveries about the liquid in our glass and our taste buds.
Buffalo Trace Bourbon Whiskey
The Buffalo Trace distillery is in Frankfort, Kentucky, and is owned by the Sazerac Company. Its namesake bourbon brand, Buffalo Trace Kentucky Straight bourbon, was introduced in August 1999. It has no age statement. The Buffalo Trace mash bill is not disclosed. However, it is speculated to contain a high corn percentage and less than 10% rye.
The bourbon was named in tribute to the mighty buffalo that carved paths through the wilderness in the trek to the Great Planes and the rugged, independent spirit of the pioneers who followed them.
The distillery also produces other spirits, such as rye whiskey and vodka. Other brands in the SAzerac portfolio include Blanton’s, Sazerac Rye, 1792 Bourbon, WL Weller and Eagle Rare, to name but a few.
Readily available around the globe and is priced in the affordable category. The Amazon retail price is around £28. It is perfect for cocktails such as an Old Fashioned and pairs well with chocolate.
Woodford Reserve Bourbon Whiskey
Woodford Reserve is a Kentucky Straight bourbon whiskey produced by the Brown-Forman Corporation. The distillery changed hands a few times, and Brown-Forman purchased the property in 1993 and refurbished it. They renamed it The Woodford Reserve Distillery in 2003.
Woodford Reserve bourbon was introduced to the market in 1996. In 1995 the distillery was listed on the National Register of Historic Places. In 2000, it was designated a National Historic Landmark.
The mash bill for Woodford Reserve bourbon features a high percentage of rye. It has a 72% corn, 18% rye and 10% malt ratio. Unusual also for being triple distilled and having the lowest proof upon entering the barrel, where it matures for at least six years.
The retail price for this release on Amazon is around £35.
Other brands in the Brown Forman stable include Jack Daniel’s, GlenDronach, BenRiach and Glenglassaugh whisky. There is also a Woodford Reserve Rye whiskey as well as a Double Oaked release.
Buffalo Trace vs Woodford Reserve Bourbon
| Buffalo Trace | Woodford Reserve | |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Bourbon whiskey | Bourbon whiskey |
| Mashbill | Not disclosed | 72% corn, 18% rye and 10% malt |
| ABV | 45% | 43.2% |
| Colour | A reddish copper | Dark copper |
| Nose | Fruity sweetness, rich and bold. There are hints of candied fruit, caramel, vanilla, brandy pudding and oak. Bits of spice float in the background. | Honey sweetness with apricots and oranges. Bits of condensed milk richness mixed with vanilla, dark chocolate and hints of spices. |
| Palate | There are notes of fruit, orange marmalade, white pepper and oak. Bits of cinnamon with toasted oak. Water tones down the spice. | Oak and sweetness perfectly balanced with apricot and cinnamon spiciness. Tangy winter fruits and vanilla mixed with toffee. Creamy and smooth with a full body and a satisfying mouthfeel. |
| Finish | Before adding water long and ended in notes of spicy sweetness. After adding water, the finish was quite flat. | Long and lingering and ends in notes of sweetness and spices |
| My Rating | Very Good | Excellent |
| Comments | Drink it neat! | Delicious and bold. |
| Price point | $35 | $40 |
Guessing which glass contained the Buffalo Trace was relatively easy. I find the Buffalo Trace quite spicy and concentrating on the spicy notes on the palate in the two glasses allowed me to identify it. From the nose alone, I would not get it.
The nose on the Buffalo Trace was bold and sweet with lots of vanilla and fruity sweetness. Quite pronounced. The nose of the Woodford Reserve is softer and sweeter with notes of fruity apricot, vanilla and oak. More elegant.
When you taste them, the differences come through, and the differences are big and bold. The Buffalo Trace is spicier and less complex. It has fruity notes and a nice drinkable mouthfeel. Buffalo Trace has a medium body and lovely toasted oak notes. However, don’t add water.
The Woodford Reserve has a creamy base with sweetness, oak and vanilla notes. Much bolder than the nose suggests. The Woodford Reserve was my favourite. The condensed milk, vanilla, and dark chocolate notes suit my sweeter palate.
Both are great bottles to have in your collection. If you prefer spicier bourbon, the Buffalo Trace is perfect. If, like me, you like something a bit sweeter, grab that bottle of Woodford Reserve. Whatever your choice, it is a good one.
Also Read: My Favourite Margarita Recipe
Today I look at the Jack Daniels Apple Tennessee whiskey liqueur. While travelling in Canada a couple of years ago, seeing all the flavoured whiskey liqueurs readily available was interesting.
There were whisky liqueurs from Crown Royal and Jim Beam with maple syrup and apple flavours. And later, I also spotted Bacon and Peanut Butter infused whiskey.
In South Africa, flavoured whiskey liqueur is less popular, and we have only been able to get honey and cinnamon flavoured. Both Jack Daniel’s Fire and Firewater (Fireball) liqueur is/was available. I have seen (and tasted) a locally made chilli-flavoured whisky a couple of years ago, but the less said about that, the better.
I was excited when I spotted Jack Daniel’s Apple Tennessee whiskey liqueur in a supermarket in Tamarin. The hubby just frowned.
Not strictly a whiskey at a 35% ABV with green apple flavouring added, but something fun to try nevertheless.
Jack Daniel’s brought out the Tennessee Honey in 2011 and followed that with the Tennessee Fire a few years later. I like the Honey release as a sipping liqueur in summer over ice; it is excellent for cocktails.
The Tennessee Apple Tennessee whiskey was released in 2019. It’s the standard Jack Daniel’s Old No 7 with tangy green apple.
Also Read: How to make a whisky bottle lamp
Jack Daniels Apple Tennessee Whiskey Liqueur Review
TYPE: Apple-flavoured liqueur
ABV: 35%
COLOUR: Golden mahogany
NOSE: Crispy fresh Granny Smith apples with bits of vanilla and oak. Quite sweet and not very complex.
PALATE: Fruity sweetness, vanilla and oak. The green apple is subdued on the palate. Hints of Old No 7 come through with bits of cherry and caramel. Smooth and easy drinking.
FINISH: Short and sweet with hints of white pepper.
RATING: VERY GOOD
Not the most complex drink, but it was not meant to be. The Tennessee Apple is a fun, light, delicious play on Jack Daniels and apples. If you love all things Jack, it is a great bottle to have on your drinks trolley and is perfect for a summer BBQ and cocktails.
I hope that it makes its way to South Africa at some stage. It retails for around Rs 2 500 in Mauritius, and I see it online for about $27 in the USA and around £29 on Amazon in the UK. But that is for a 1 L bottle. Now to try the Jack Fire as well.
Also Read: Shackleton Whisky