Glendronach 12 Year Old

 This was one of my favorite whiskeys over 25 years ago but it is difficult to find and almost impossible to get in a restaurant. I just happened to find a bottle when I went into the ABC store in the Red Neck Riviera. Color me shocked.

The distillery was opened in 1826 and underwent several ownership changes over the years. It was  mothballed in 1996, which probably led to my inability to find it. Luckily for us, they started back up again in 2002. 

Glendronach is a Highland whiskey that is matured in sherry casks. It has a pleasing golden amber color and a sweet nose. As you would expect from the sherry casks, the palate is smooth and velvety. The finish is long and warming.

I highly recommend this little known whiskey. It will be worth the trouble to find.

Deanston 30 Year Old

 This is another case where I received a special whiskey and put it aside for an occasion. By the time I opened it, the cork was dried out and I had to push it into the bottle. So now I strain cork pieces from my drink and I had to find a substitute cork to prevent the angels from getting more than their share.

Deanston is a Highland Whiskey from a distillery that started life as a cotton mill in 1785. For those concerned about energy, in 1949 the mill installed water turbines and now all their electricity is generated by these turbine generators. In 1965, the mill closed its doors but by 1974, it was converted to a distillery.

The 30 year old has a pleasant medium amber color. It is slightly phenolic but that soon dissipates and you are left with a smooth and velvety texture on your palate. The finish is warm and welcoming. 

My advice? Enjoy your whiskey before the cork dries out.

Head Count

 Four months and still no beheadings in the Kingdom of Saud.