GlenDronach Ode To The Dark Scotch Whisky
GlenDronach Ode To The Dark is a 50.8% ABV (101.6 proof), 700mL unpeated Highland single malt Scotch whisky — a non-age-statement release from The GlenDronach's Master's Anthology series, fully matured in Pedro Ximenez sherry casks — available to order online at Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.
If the Anthology's Valley was the opening chord and Embers the crackle of smoke, "Ode to the Dark" is the velvet finale — the richest, darkest expression of the three, and arguably the most luxurious statement GlenDronach has made in the modern era. Matured exclusively in exceptional Pedro Ximenez casks, the sweetest and darkest of Spanish sherries, it takes the distillery's sherry-cask obsession to its logical extreme: black-garnet colour, dense viscosity, and layer upon layer of after-dark flavour. Master Blender Rachel Barrie composed it for depth and indulgence rather than any age number — a showcase of flavour architecture over vintage pedigree. Bottled non-chill filtered with only natural cask-imparted colour.
Tasting notes (trade consensus): a symphony of mocha, black cherry and dark chocolate on the nose, with creme brulee, raisin, brown sugar and ginger; a velvet palate of smooth espresso and creme caramel folding into black grape and mint chocolate ganache; a long, warming finish of fruit-and-nut chocolate, dried fruit and sweet spice.
Why buy: This is the sherry bomb's sherry bomb — full PX maturation at a cask-forward 50.8% is the deepest dive GlenDronach's range offers. For collectors of the Anthology trio it is the essential third movement, and for PX devotees it belongs next to the distillery's classic 18 and 21 year olds. Best savoured neat or over ice. Explore more GlenDronach, browse more whiskey, or shop more bourbon whiskey at Del Mesa Liquor.
FAQ — people also ask:
Q: What is the ABV of GlenDronach Ode To The Dark?
A: 50.8% ABV (101.6 proof), in a 700mL bottle — the strongest of the three Master's Anthology releases.
Q: What casks are used for Ode To The Dark?
A: It is fully matured in Pedro Ximenez sherry casks — the only one of the trio with no Oloroso and no port casks.
Q: Is GlenDronach Ode To The Dark peated?
A: No — it is unpeated. Ode To The Embers is the peated member of the Master's Anthology series.
Q: What is The GlenDronach Master's Anthology?
A: A three-part collection of non-age-statement Highland single malts curated by Master Blender Rachel Barrie, celebrating the distillery's sherry-cask mastery: Ode To The Valley, Ode To The Embers, and Ode To The Dark. Available to order online at Del Mesa Liquor.