The GlenDronach 8 Year Old The Hielan’
46% ABV
$40-45
Website
(Important note for those in the United States: On the site’s landing page, select United Kingdom as the country or it will auto-direct by location, and you won’t see the content; I couldn’t find a way around that! If it auto-selects United States, you may have to clear cookies/cache to be prompted)
What the Distiller Says
This single malt has been matured and married in a combination of the finest bourbon and sherry casks for at least 8 years. Non-chill filtered, of natural colour and bottled at 46%, The Hielan’ encompasses a unique combination of sweet, buttery aromas with spicy, sherry overtones. The Hielan’ is a tribute to the dialect spoken in the distillery’s surrounding area in the Scottish Highlands.
TASTING NOTES
APPEARANCE: Amber with a burnished copper glow.
NOSE: Rounded waves of orange blossom and a citrus twist flow over buttery, golden sultanas, sundried raisins and ripe yellow plums; all dusted with a touch of vanilla.
PALATE: Crisp, vibrant oak spices warm soaked sultanas, apricot jam and gingerbread; all rounded by delicate hints of butterscotch, cocoa and toasted almonds.
CONCLUSION: Classic sherry overtones with a contrasting crisp dimension demonstrate the complexity of the traditional Highland character.
What Gary Says
Nose: Bright, sweet malt with orange, tangerine and hints of mango.
Palate: Creamy mouthfeel, orange creamsicle with hints of nutty spice.
Finish: Short to moderate in length, sweet with lingering spice notes.
Comments: Damn, this is delicious! 8 years is on the young side for a single malt, and this one is lighter in color than the other 8 year Octarine – so I didn’t have high expectations going in. Boy did I underestimate it. Just a lovely pour; more on the sweet side but not overly so. Dangerously drinkable (drinks to me like 40%), although cursing that I don’t see it available locally. Not being full-on sherry, I think this allows the spirit to stand on its own a bit more, and it really does shine.
Rating: Must Try