The Glendronach 21yo Parliament needs no introduction, because you know what’s coming: sherried flavours galore!
It was one of my first Glendronachs, next to the old Revival and it’s still a staple on my shelves. Despite some major differences in flavour throughout the past years (my first bottles were much heavier than the current bottles), I haven’t been able to find a proper replacement. The bottle is affordable for a 21 years old and it’s definitely a case of getting what you see.
Bottled at 48% ABV and matured on a combo of oloroso and PX casks, you definitely can’t go wrong:
Lively fruits and woody notes, sweet spices, nicely refreshing and with unmistakable hints of Christmas cake.
Smooth mouthfeel. Spicy wood, sweet cereals, strawberry, vivid sherry flavours, pencil shavings, vanilla and chocolate coated raisins.
Minerally, orchards fruits, vanilla ice cream, strawberry, honey, milk chocolate and some subtle bitter notes of nutmeg and lime.
Do I need to say more? The only thing I’ve left to mention though, is that the current 18yo Allardice is on par, and in some cases even better. The true age of the 18yo is on its highest right now (around 23 years), so it’s in fact older (and cheaper) than this 21yo. I said ‘in some cases’, because every bottle has a slightly different profile. The 2017 bottling is my favourite, I liked it better than the early 2018 batch. If you aren’t able to find one and are willing to pay a couple more bucks, the 21yo will definitely do!
I’m keeping a stash of both, because I can’t imagine a life without these two gems.